Copa America 2021 preview – Ecuador
1336
Ecuador are one of the afterthoughts of the Copa America pre-tournament. They are at 40/1 odds according to leading sportsbooks to win the competition.
Ecuador have never won the Copa America and their best-ever finish was fourth place which they accomplished on two occasions.
La Tri are in Group B of the Copa America alongside Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. Four of the five teams will emerge from the group stage and compete in the knockout rounds. Can Ecuador make the knockout stage and fight for the tournament’s trophy?
2019 Copa America
Ecuador finished bottom of Copa America Group C in 2019. They played against Uruguay, Chile, and Japan in the group stage claiming just a mere point from 12 possible. Ecuador scored two goals while conceding seven times.
Their only draw at the 2019 Copa America tournament came against Japan on matchday 3 of the group stage. The match finished 1-1 thanks to Angel Mena.
The team’s goal versus Japan was the only strike to come from open play. Enner Valencia scored from the penalty spot versus Chile on matchday 2.
Key Players
Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro has a team mostly made up of players competing in Central and South America. Many of the names in the Ecuador squad may be unknown to football fans outside of South America.
The team’s main goal-threat is captain Enner Valencia. The striker plays club football for Fenerbahce in Turkey. Defenders Robert Arboleda and Xavier Arreaga are likely to be Alfaro’s central defensive duo.
Velez Sarsfield goalkeeper Alex Dominguez will take the place in goal. Meanwhile, Sochi midfielder Christian Noboa is likely to be central in midfield. Carlos Gruezo could be Noboa’s main midfield partner. Overall, Ecuador are short on talent compared to group foes Brazil and Colombia.
Chances
Ecuador have the opportunity to get out of the group stage. With four teams qualifying for the knockout stage, it is very possible for the team to make it out of the group as either the third or fourth team.
If Ecuador finish third, they will face the second-place team from Group A. A fourth-place finish in Group B would put them versus the winner of Group A. It is likely they will face Argentina, Chile, or Uruguay in the quarterfinals.
La Tri have the chance to get to the quarters, but it is likely that is where their journey at the Copa America will end.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
