The Ecuadorian government presented the president of the 2006 World Cup soccer contest Franz Beckenbauer with its Knight of Ecuadorian Sport medal, local media reported on Feb.13th.

Beckenbauer, who arrived for a one-day visit, was also declared an honored guest and received the keys to the city of Quito, from the mayor, Paco Moncayo.

The mayoral ceremony took place on Monday morning in Teleferico,some 3,500 meters above sea level, in the Pichincha volcano. Beckenbauer wore a blue suit, and white shirt and black shoes, and was accompanied by Ecuadorian football association officials.

From Pichincha Beckenbauer went to the seat of government at 1100 a.m., where he was received by Alfredo Palacio, president of Ecuador, who also presented Beckenbauer with the Sporting Knight award.

Beckenbauer joked that he hoped that Germany would not lose its planned World Cup match with Ecuador, adding that he would be happy for Ecuador to beat any other nation.

重点词汇

Ecuador  n. 厄瓜多尔        　　Quito  n. 基多（厄瓜多尔首都）