Pervis Estupinan says Brighton are fast becoming the most popular club in Ecuador.

And he hopes Seagulls fans enjoyed the part they played in the opening game of the World Cup.

Estupinan and Moises Caicedo started the 2-0 win over hosts Qatar, with Jeremy Sarmiento making a lively contribution as a 68th-minute substitute.

Left-back Estupinan said: “Happy, happy, proud, knowing that, before coming away with the national team, Moises, Jeremy and myself, they told us they are going to be supporting us, they are going to be with us. We are very proud.

“The nickname they have given us there is EcuaBrighton.

“We try to do things well there with our team to keep opening doors for more Ecuadoreans who want to come to this team or to Europe."