A major surprise pick by coach Luis Fernando Suarez, youngster Benitez won the nod ahead of Johnny Baldeon, with Franklin Salas' injury problems also helping his cause. He is the son of former Ecuador superstar, Ermen Benitez. A forward short in stature, Sanchez's pace and trickery caught the eye during some excellent performances for El Nacional and he was handed a first national team call-up earlier this year. At 20 Benitez has time on his side to make his mark on the biggest stage of all.