Is Ecuador able to stop Argentina from reaching the Copa América final?
Argentina defeated Ecuador 3-0 in the Copa América quarterfinals thanks to two late goals, although the final score did not accurately reflect the game.
Ecuador’s coach was keen to point out that his team gave Argentina an uncomfortable 90 minutes despite Ecuador’s superior physical strength, quickness, and talent.
Following the game, Lionel Scaloni, the manager of Argentina, praised the potential of the younger Ecuadorian players.
As long as Ecuador can step up their game, the squad they play on Thursday in Houston poses the greatest threat to their chances of making it to the championship.
It’s best to forget about this Copa’s Ecuadorian group stage. They were defeated 2-1 against Venezuela, but they had a spirited second half and worked hard to defeat Jamaica 3-1.
Their goal in the ninetieth minute proved to be crucial. They now have an edge against Mexico on goal differential.
They would have qualified for the final eight with a draw. Ecuador then set about the objective of keeping the game goalless, grimly and without enthusiasm.
When the Mexicans were given a penalty in the final minute of stoppage time, the plan nearly went awry, but VAR looked it over and properly reversed the ruling.
Ecuador has the opportunity to face the current world champions after surviving to battle another day.
Why did their group phase seem so unimpressive?
After captain and all-time leading scorer Enner Valencia was sent a straight red card early in the match against Venezuela, they had to work their way out of a hole.
Playing for more than 70 minutes in Santa Clara’s afternoon heat with just eleven men proved to be too much, and the campaign was off to a losing start.
In tournament settings, these things do happen. However, there are more serious issues.
One is the environment in which the group is competing. Felix Sanchez was named Ecuador’s new coach following the World Cup.
The decision made some sense. Spanish-born Sanchez began his career in the Barcelona youth system before attending the Aspire academy in Qatar,
where the coaching staff employs a style of play very similar to that of Independiente del Valle, the remarkable small club from
Quito’s outskirts that is turning out a large number of players for Ecuador’s national team.
He won the Asian championship, therefore his tenure as Qatar’s manager was not a disaster. However, the World Cup was a failure. The campaign of the host started with a loss against Ecuador.
Therefore, a lot of Ecuadorians questioned why we were selecting a loser to lead our squad.
Ecuador can be an extremely challenging place to work. Additionally, despite the team’s strong performance thus far in the
2026 World Cup qualifiers—three victories, two draws, and one loss—the level of play has not been thought to be sufficient.
Sanchez’s removal is desired by many. Some were openly eager for Ecuador to lose the Copa, which would force the FA of Ecuador to change. The pressure is still there.
There have only been five goals scored in the six World Cup qualifying rounds. Sanchez can provide an explanation here.
Many talented and potential players, the majority of whom are graduates of Independiente del Valle, are at his disposal.
The collection of youthful center backs is formidable; William Pacho has so far had a fantastic Copa. However, the first resources are scarce.
Ecuador depends on Valencia to achieve their ambitions. The former striker for the Premier League has always been erratic, and in 2022–2023 he was overused after playing well in
Turkey’s league the season before and then jumping directly into Brazil’s overly packed schedule. It is hardly shocking that this has taken a toll at 34 years old.
The remaining center forwards are also eager to run, but they fall well short of being elite players. The tournament is further
complicated by the loss to Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán, a vital player known for his explosive left foot and strong fullback runs.
