Argentina Vs Ecuador
Ecuador may have managed to keep Leo Messi at bay in this Copa America quarterfinal matchup, but South Americans remain vulnerable.
Eimer has taken an exhaustive approach to dissecting this matchup and is favoring an Under goal total prediction. Get his insights exclusively on SportsLine now by signing up!
Argentina Vs Ecuador 1st Half
Argentina took the lead through Lionel Messi’s spectacular header following a corner, providing much-needed relief after their slow and uncertain start in midfield.
Ecuador struggled to establish themselves in the game with their wingers unable to create sufficient space. William Pacho has proven a worthy successor after making the switch from Bundesliga side Eintract Frankfurt and excelled with impressive displays against them both.
Caicedo made an outstanding tackle to stop Jeremy Sarmiento as he attempted to enter the box, forcing a stoppage in play for treatment on both players. Caicedo appears to have suffered worse with an apparent knee knock.
So far, this game is relatively scrappy and contentious, featuring poor first touches and aimless long balls that have hindered play – although both teams appear determined to win this one.
Enner Valencia nearly broke the deadlock with a stunning run toward goal, yet was unable to beat Martinez. As Ecuador threatened again, another great tackle from Caicedo foiled Valencia from getting past.
Argentina Vs Ecuador 2nd Half
After a break of 30 minutes, both teams return for another 45-minute matchup. Argentina had dominated in the first half, yet were held to just one goal thanks to Ecuador’s excellent defensive efforts.
Rodrigo De Paul has fallen due to a challenge by Moises Caicedo and is taken off for medical evaluation, though he should be fine to continue the match.
Ecuador make an aggressive start to the second half, looking to break through Argentina’s defensive lines on the counter-attack with Caicedo acting as an attacking threat on left wing and Valencia relying heavily on him to race onto any knockdowns he can provide.
Argentina are beginning to play more positively as they aim to gain control of the game and get forwards into the box. Unfortunately, their ball possession has decreased from what it was during the first half and are vulnerable to counter attacks from underdogs.
Enzo Fernandez gets an opportunity to score when he breaks through Ecuador’s right defense on his right flank and attempts to curl the ball into the far corner, but his attempt goes wide of its target.
Argentina Vs Ecuador 3rd Half
At Soldier Field, Argentina looks to make their mark early and quickly establish themselves on the game. Although not as explosive as in the first half, Argentina are keeping control of possession for now as Ecuador attempt to contain.
First chance for Argentina as Plata made an excellent run down the right flank and attempted to play Messi but his pass was just too long. Shortly afterwards, Messi returned the ball which Valencia met with an exquisite volley that Galindez managed to turn onto its side of the bar before it could land safely in his net.
Ecuador responded with an excellent spell of possession that almost yielded results as Jeremy Sarmiento tried to break free in the centre but was well blocked by Martinez. They worked an overlap but Montiel blocked Montiel’s cross which eventually cleared for a corner kick.
Moises Caicedo goes down as a result of a challenge from Alexis Mac Allister and it prompts the referee to stop play for further assessment of Ecuadorian. Luckily, it appears he should be okay and continues with play as before.
Argentina Vs Ecuador 4th Half
Ecuador have an enormous chance to equalise during the final 30 minutes. Yeboah throws in a ball into the area for Rodriguez, and with just his head Rodriguez flicks a header past Martinez into the far corner of the goal, equalising for their underdog side! It was truly spectacular goal.
Argentina respond with an excellent opportunity. Messi plays an over-the-top pass to Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the box and sprints towards him but his shot is blocked by an opponent defender.
Ecuador are experiencing a hugely important moment, as Moises Caicedo is struck by Molina of Argentina in their box and needs treatment, though he appears okay to continue playing.
Romero and Caicedo clash again inside Argentina’s penalty area, yet again without receiving a warning from the referee. Romero then attempts to burst forward but his shot from outside of the area misses its target.
Important stoppage-time moment as Mac Allister collides into Caicedo and forces him off onto a stretcher. Once checked by medical staff, both players were cleared to return and play in this last quarter-final match-up. All to play for! Ecuador are underdogs but have given themselves an incredible chance of progress; their fate now rests on how well they handle Argentine counter attacks; if they can remain resilient for 15 more minutes then victory may be theirs!
