Sabasports Match Preview
International Friendly: Argentina vs Ecuador
Kickoff Time: 2024-06-10 07:00 (HKT)
SOURCE:USA TODAY SPORTS/Nathan Ray Seebeck
To prepare for the upcoming Copa America, Argentina will engage in friendly matches against Ecuador and Guatemala to assess their current status and tactics. As the reigning World Cup champions, Argentina boast world-class talent in their forward, midfield, and defensive lines. They primarily employ a 4-3-3 formation. Spearheading them is their leader Lionel Messi, who exhibits formidable offensive firepower. Supporting him are players like Angel Di Maria, Alejandro Garnacho, and others, known for their exceptional speed and breakthrough abilities, contributing to increased offensive opportunities. The inclusion of players such as Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez offers Argentina additional offensive options and variations.
Ecuador are currently ranked 31st in the world. As a traditional powerhouse in South America, their strength should not be underestimated. Worth noting is the positive impact former Qatar coach Felix Sanchez has had on Ecuador over the past year. Hailing from the Barcelona system, Sanchez has led them in 12 matches, with only three losses. During the previous World Cup qualifiers, Ecuador suffered a defeat only in their first match against Argentina, following which they achieved an unbeaten record of three wins and two draws in the subsequent five matches. However, in a recent friendly encounter, Ecuador suffered a 0-2 loss against Italy, ending their unbeaten streak. Ecuador predominantly employ a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo being their key player, leading their defensive efforts.
In terms of strength, Argentina clearly hold an advantage over Ecuador. Furthermore, in their previous six encounters, Argentina have maintained an unbeaten record with five wins and one draw. The Pampas Eagles undoubtedly possess a significant edge. Although the purpose of a friendly match is to enhance their integration and improve players’ understanding, considering the overall strength of both teams and their historical confrontations, Argentina, with their evident advantage, are undoubtedly worth pursuing further.
Argentina’s Last 5 Games: WWWLW
24-03-27 Argentina 3-1 Costa Rica
24-03-23 El Salvador 0-3 Argentina
23-11-22 Brazil 0-1 Argentina
23-11-17 Argentina 0-2 Uruguay
23-10-18 Peru 0-2 Argentina
Ecuador’s Last 5 Games: LWWDD
24-03-25 Italy 2-0 Ecuador
24-03-22 Ecuador 2-0 Guatemala
23-11-22 Ecuador 1-0 Chile
23-11-17 Venezuela 0-0 Ecuador
23-10-18 Ecuador 0-0 Colombia
Head To Head Record:
23-09-08 Argentina 1-0 Ecuador
22-03-30 Ecuador 1-1 Argentina
21-07-04 Argentina 3-0 Ecuador
20-10-09 Argentina 1-0 Ecuador
19-10-13 Ecuador 1-6 Argentina
Prediction: Argentina to win