Ecuador didn’t simply earn their qualification for the World Cup as soon as. They did so twice: first on the pitch by claiming a shock automated berth within the dogfight of the South America qualifiers, after which once more within the courtroom as they noticed off a authorized problem from Chile, who contested the delivery standing of the proper again Byron Castillo. At least, so we expect: Chile have taken their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport the place it remained with lower than a month to go till the World Cup.
The entire affair has reasonably clouded what was a powerful qualifying marketing campaign from Ecuador, and created important uncertainty for La Tri. Chile, who together with Colombia seemed on in envy as Ecuador joined Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay within the high 4, insisted that Castillo, the proper again who performed in eight qualification video games, was really Colombian and was not eligible to play in eight of Ecuador’s group video games.
In any case, Ecuador certified for the World Cup when, on paper, they need to have stood no probability. According to the Fifa rankings, they had been the second lowest ranked facet of the ten South American international locations when their marketing campaign started. Led by the Argentine supervisor Gustavo Alfaro, they took factors off each Brazil and Argentina at dwelling, thrashed Colombia 6-1 and beat Chile in Santiago to take an enormous step in direction of Qatar – even when the largest battle they needed to win got here after the World Cup draw was made in April and within the courtrooms.
This is Ecuador’s fourth World Cup look – having missed out on Russia final trip however qualifying for 3 of the earlier 4 tournaments. They’ve been handed a form group. It could be a shock to see them beat both the Netherlands or Senegal to advance however they will take coronary heart in the truth that neither are within the high tier of World Cup contenders, and an upset shouldn’t be out of the query for a staff who’ve thrived because the underdog. The highlight will probably be on them as they play within the opening sport of the match in opposition to Qatar, the place Ecuador will hope to do their speaking on the pitch as soon as once more.
Here is the whole lot it’s essential to know:
Group fixtures (all occasions GMT)
Sunday 20 November: Qatar vs Ecuador – 16:00
Friday 25 November: Netherlands vs Ecuador – 16:00
Tuesday 29 November: Ecuador vs Senegal – 15:00
Predicted squad
Goalkeepers: Alexander Dominguez (LDU Quito), Hernan Galindez (Aucas), Moises Ramirez (Independiente)
Defenders: Robert Arboleda (Sao Paulo) Xavier Arreaga (Seattle Sounders), Bryon Castillo (Leon), Pervis Estunpinan (Brighton), Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen), Angelo Preciado (Genk), Jackson Porozo (Troyes), Felix Torres (Santos Laguna)
Midfielders: Nilsen Angulo (Anderlecht), Moises Caicedo (Brighton), Jose Cifuentes (Los Angeles FC), Alan Franco (Talleres), Carlos Gruezo (Augsburg), Romario Ibarra (Pachuca), Angel Mena (Leon), Jhegson Mendez (Los Angeles FC) Gonzalo Plata (Valladolid), Jeremy Sarmiento (Brighton)
Forwards: Michael Estrada (Cruz Azul), Ayrton Preciado (Santos Laguna), Djorkaeff Reasco (Newell’s Old Boys), Enner Valencia (Fenerbahce)
Ones to look at
Star – Moises Caicedo: The Brighton midfielder has already been one of many breakout skills of the Premier League season however now the World Cup will permit the 20-year-old to show his ferocious business on a wider stage. Already Ecaudor’s finest and most vital participant regardless of his age, Caicedo was central to Brighton’s wonderful begin to the season below Graham Potter and was instantly linked with a transfer to Manchester United after starring of their 2-1 win at Old Trafford on the opening weekend. Caicedo does an excellent job of linking defence and assault in an all-action function, and will effectively be the following Brighton participant to maneuver on for a large switch charge. Strong performances on the World Cup for Ecuador, the place he takes on much more accountability, will add to that too.
Breakout expertise – Piero Hincapie: Like Caicedo, the 20-year-old Hincapie is one other product of Independiente’s spectacular academy system who’s now making his mark in Europe. Already an everyday starter for Bayer Leverkusen from the age of 19, Hincapie is an aggressive, front-footed centre-back who’s suited to enjoying on the left facet of the defence. His sport has drawn comparisons to Tottenham’s Argentina defender Cristian Romero and certainly Hincapie was linked with each Arsenal and Spurs this summer season, however self-discipline is a priority. Hincapie has been despatched off for choosing up a second yellow card twice already within the Bundesliga this season.
175/1
Prediction
It could be silly to put in writing off Ecuador given their leads to the South American qualifiers and they’re going to relish being the underdogs once more after they face the Netherlands and Senegal. The order of their matches is attention-grabbing, given they might put stress on one of many Netherlands or Senegal in the event that they beat Qatar and declare a gap win. It might additionally permit La Tri to play for attracts, however they are going to want greater than that if they’re to progress. Knocked out within the group phases.
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk