Position: Midfielder
Born: 27.04.80
Club: El Nacional

Cristian Lara is one of Ecuador's emerging talents and will probably have to make do with a place on the bench this summer.

The 26-year-old is one of his club's most valuable players but has struggled to nail wn a regular starting role in the national side.

Lara featured in Ecuador's final five qualifying matches and scored a crucial goal in their shock 2-0 victory over Argentina which ultimately sealed their passage to Germany 2006.

Although a small lightweight player, Lara is a tricky customer with an abundance of energy on the ball.

In truth Lara probably is more suited to the super-sub role when he can come on and torment the opposition with his persistent dribbling and weaving.