Minda replaces Castillo for Ecuador

Jun 9, 2014 - 3:06 PM Quito, Ecuador (SportsNetwork.com) - Oswaldo Minda has been called up to Ecuador's World Cup team as a replacement for injured midfielder Segundo Castillo.

The 32-year-old Castillo has been capped 81 times for Ecuador, but he will play no part in Brazil after injuring his knee in a friendly against Mexico on May 31.

Minda made his international debut for Ecuador in 2008 and was a member of the 2011 Copa America side.

The Chivas USA midfielder was originally on Ecuador's 30-man preliminary roster before being cut by head coach Reinaldo Rueda. However, the injury to Castillo has opened the door for Minda, who plays the same defensive midfield role as Castillo but who will likely serve as depth for Ecuador.

Rueda's team will open its tournament in Group E against Switzerland on June 15 before facing Honduras and France.