Ecuador boss Gustavo Alfaro took the heat off Moises Caicedo as the world watched.

The Albion midfielder appeared with Alfaro for the final press conference ahead of the tournament opener against Qatar.

Caicedo was asked about human rights in the host nation – but Alfaro intervened.

A French reporter asked Caicedo: “Do you talk in the group about these topics, about human rights and something like that?”

Alfaro, the hugely experienced Argentinean coach of La Tri, stepped in to intercept the question, laughing and putting a supportive hand on Caicedo’s shoulder as he said: “Don’t put him into problems.”

In a more serious voice, Alfaro added: “We are in favour of all human rights in all the world - and equality.

“These are footballers, they have their talent, they have dreams, they have their ambitions.

“They deserve to be respected for this.”

There were applause from some reporters as Alfaro completed his answer.