Preview
Argentina vs Ecuador will be the first quarter-final at the Copa America 2024 and will be played at the NRG Stadium in Texas on July 5.
La Albiceleste qualified for the knockouts in dominant fashion as they lived up to their world number-one ranking. They defeated Canada 2-0, before edging past Chile 1-0 in the second game. They then brushed aside Peru with a 2-0 win to qualify as Group A winners without conceding a goal. Being the defending champions, they will look to have a shot at the title.
La Tri, on the other hand, finished second in Group B after a rather disappointing start to the tournament. They fell 2-1 to Venezuela in the opening game as skipper Enner Valencia saw red. Ecuador defeated Jamaica 3-1 in the next game, but a goalless draw against Mexico in the final group game sealed their fate and matched them up against Argentina.
Having said that, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.
Argentina vs Ecuador Team News
Argentina
Manager Lionel Scaloni will go with his strongest possible lineup for his team’s next game.
Emiliano Martinez will continue in goal, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez playing in central defence ahead of him. Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo de Paul will man the midfield, with Angel Di Maria out wide with Lionel Messi, while Lautaro Martinez will lead the line.
Ecuador
Manager Felix Sanchez, too, will go with his strongest XI for the upcoming game.
Alexander Dominguez will start as the goalkeeper, with Willian Pacho and Felix Torres in central defence ahead of him. Piero Hincapie and Angelo Preciado will be the full-backs, while Moises Caicedo will anchor the midfield. Jeremy Sarmiento, Kendry Paez and Enner Valencia will round off the attack for the team.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina
Predicted XI: Emiliano Martinez (GK); Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna; Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo de Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi (C), Lautaro Martinez.
Ecuador
Predicted XI: Alexander Dominguez (GK); Angelo Preciado, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie; Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo; Kendry Paez, Jeremy Sarmiento; Carlos Gruezo, Enner Valencia (C).
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Key Players to Watch
- Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) – The Inter Milan striker bagged a brace in the last game against Peru as he helped his team to a 2-0 win. He may or may not start but is guaranteed to make an appearance and will look to make the most of his time on the pitch.
- Alexander Dominguez (Ecuador) – Having kept a clean sheet in his last match against Mexico, pressure will once again be on the Ecuadorian custodian. He made four saves in that game but will likely face many more shots against Argentina and will have to be at his sharpest.
Head-to-Head Record
These teams have faced each other fairly often in the last few years or so since they belong to the same confederation. However, Argentina has been utterly dominant in their recent meetings, winning four of their last five without conceding a goal. The other match ended in a draw.
Last 5 Games
- Argentina 1-0 Ecuador [06/24]
- Argentina 1-0 Ecuador [09/23]
- Ecuador 1-1 Argentina [03/22]
- Argentina 3-0 Ecuador [07/21]
- Argentina 1-0 Ecuador [10/20]
Argentina vs Ecuador Prediction
Considering Argentina’s recent record with Ecuador, coupled with their recent form in general, they are by far the favourites to win the quarter-final clash and progress to the semis. While Ecuador may put up a resolute fight, it is hard to see them score against a solid La Albiceleste defence.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Ecuador.
When & where to watch Argentina vs Ecuador live?
Q. When & where will Argentina vs Ecuador take place?
A. This quarter-final match will take place at the NRG Stadium in Texas on Friday, July 6 at 2:00 AM (GMT).
Q. Where will the match be telecast in the UK?
A. Premier Sports will be telecasting the match.
Q. Where will the match be shown in the USA?
A. Fox Sports will do the English telecast, while TUDN will do the Spanish one.
Q. Where will the game be available in Argentina?
A. DSports and Television Publica will be telecasting the game.
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