ARGENTINA VS ECUADOR
The group stage matches of Copa America has been completed and we head towards the quarter-final fixtures. Bolivia and Venezuela are the two teams that were eliminated at the end of the group stages. Argentina will take on Ecuador in the final quarter-final fixture in what is probably the most lopsided of the four fixtures.
Argentina head to the knockouts unbeaten across the four matches. They have conceded just twice and bagged seven goals so far – a record only bettered by Brazil. Lionel Scaloni’s men will settle for nothing less than the trophy. The upcoming match against Ecuador should be nothing less than a simple hurdle they will be expected to clear.
Una mirada rápida de lo que nos dejó la fecha 5 de la CONMEBOL #CopaAmérica 🏆
Uma olhada rápida no que nos deixou a rodada 5 da CONMEBOL #CopaAmérica 🏆#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/sZBvLbYwTn
— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) June 30, 2021
Ecuador did not win a single match so far and managed to scathe through with three draws. They conceded a goal more than they scored but a decent performance against Brazil on the final day will give them some confidence. They head into the match knowing they will be under constant pressure from the prolific Argentinian forwards. Ecuador will have to be organised at the back and their forwards will need to find the goal with the few chances they might get.
TEAM NEWS
Argentina will have the option of fielding their best players against Ecuador. Lionel Scaloni usually plays a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 depending on the personnel he chooses to field. If Sergio Aguero is fielded as the main centre-forward, Lionel Messi will likely take the no.10 position behind him. Otherwise, Messi will usually be found on the right-wing of the 4-3-3.
#Sub23 Concluyó la primera jornada de doble turno de la semana ⚽⚽
💪 ¡Seguimos con la puesta a punto para #Tokyo2020!
📝 https://t.co/Y1eJj8Yzmf pic.twitter.com/SZ2Xs8YpGJ
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) June 29, 2021
ARGENTINA PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP- Martinez; Tagilafico, Pezzella, Romero, Molina; Rodriguez, Paredes; Di Maria, Messi, Gomez; Aguero
Enner Valencia and Moises Caicedo are doubtful for the Ecuador Argentina clash. Both picked up injuries against Brazil and might not recover in time for the quarter-finals. Ecuador will not be under any sort of pressure heading into the match. This mentality might just allow them to play free-flowing football. A determined Messi led Argentina can be tested if Ecuador pulls themselves together.
¡#SiempreConLaTri🇪🇨! https://t.co/xBXrvXABUO
— FEF 🇪🇨 (@FEFecuador) June 27, 2021
ECUADOR PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP- Galindez; Estupinan, Hincapie, Arboleda, E. Preciado; Palacios, Caicedo, Mendez, Franco; A. Preciado, Mena
GAME CHANGERS
LIONEL MESSI
Messi marked his milestone appearance for Argentina with two goals against Bolivia. Ronaldo’s record-breaking Euro campaign had ended but this GOAT seems to have only started. Messi leads the chart with three goals, more than any other player in the competition. He also has two assists to his name, a tally equalled only by Brazil’s Neymar.
There are no looming doubts as to Messi’S prowess. He is the instigator on this Argentina side. Every move either originates or passes through him. Like always, there aren’t many teams capable of containing the threat of this extraordinary pair of legs. Ecuador will have to fight tooth and nail if they hope to survive long enough to threaten Argentina.
PERVIS ESTUPINAN
La Liga side Valencia’s young left-back Pervis Estupinan has played every game for his national side so far. The defender is just 23-years of age and is among one of the most prominent names in the squad. His involvement in the game will be key for Ecuador in what is a talent overloaded Argentinian right-wing.
No importa lo duro que sea el camino hacia el éxito. La recompensa vale la pena.😍🏆
Gracias a los que nos han acompañado en este largo, duro y apasionante viaje. Mención especial a mi gente y a mi familia, a los que nunca fallan y siempre están a mi lado. Va por ustedes! 🙏🏾❤️🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/MOc3NLbngY
— Pervis Estupiñan (@PervisEstupinan) May 27, 2021
If Messi is deployed on the right-wing, Estupinan’s primary role would be to shut him down. If not, he will have to deal with the trickery of Di Maria. The young full-back will need to be on his toes if he is to help his team survive the fixture.
PREDICTIONS
Argentina are the clear favourites to win the match. Ecuador’s primary motive would be to keep Argentina at bay for as long as possible. Long balls and quick counterattacks might be the best route through to goal for Ecuador. Argentina are determined to help Messi finally add a trophy with his national side. Therefore, they will not back down against Ecuador and will go in headfirst. FootTheBall predicts a victory for Argentina. Argentina 2-0 Ecuador.