World Cup Qualifying - South America | Group Stage

Nov 15, 2024 at 12am UK

Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha

Ecuadorvs.Bolivia

Match preview

The current CONMEBOL qualifying standings don't show the full picture of Ecuador's performance so far. They were docked three points at the start of the campaign due to document-related issues from the previous cycle.

Ecuador should technically be level with Uruguay and Brazil on points, but they're actually just inside the automatic qualifying places, one point ahead of their upcoming opponents in the playoff spot.

Beccacece's team showed again last month that they're all about a pragmatic approach to qualifying. They drew both games against Paraguay and Uruguay, with just 10 goals scored across 10 qualifiers so far.

The only blips on Ecuador's record so far are narrow 1-0 defeats away to Argentina and Brazil. If this impressive consistency continues, there'll be no doubt that La Tricolor will be at the finals in 2026.

They managed to scrape a 1-0 win against Peru in September, but they didn't pose much of a threat in their two home games against Paraguay. Form here will be crucial to getting them over the line.

Given Bolivia's poor record on the road, Beccacece can't afford to drop points here. Otherwise, it'll give La Verde a boost and an edge over most of the other teams, especially with a tough match in Colombia next week.

One look at their recent record with Bolivia might help to ease some concerns, as Ecuador have won six in a row at home to their upcoming opponents, scoring 14 goals in the process.

While Bolivia have lost 14 of their last 19 games, they've still done better than expected in this section and have a real chance of making the finals, which are being held in the USA – the same host country from their previous appearance over three decades ago.

However, it's worth noting that Bolivia play a completely different game when they're away from home, as their 6-0 defeat in Argentina last month proved.

Their shock win in Chile in September was their first away win in 67 matches, which is the longest losing streak in the world. They'll need to use the altitude to their advantage at home in El Alto to have a chance of qualifying.

Venezuela and Colombia struggled with the tougher conditions at their previous home ground in La Paz. Some of the Colombian players even needed oxygen on the sidelines during the game.

The odd point here and there on the road will be a big help, but it wouldn't be a surprise if La Verde are just aiming for four wins from their last four home games. That would almost certainly get them into the playoffs, if not better.

Recent Performance

Ecuador World Cup Qualifying - South America form:DWLWDD

Ecuador form (all competitions):DLLWDD

Bolivia World Cup Qualifying - South America form:WLWWWL

Bolivia form (all competitions):LLWWWL

Team News

Ecuador midfielder Oscar Zambrano was in the squad for October's fixtures, but the Hull City man has since been provisionally suspended for a doping offence and won't be present this time around.

Keny Arroyo, a promising attacker, made his international debut off the bench in Uruguay last month. He's the only other player who's absent from a squad that's largely unchanged.

Alan Franco has recovered from his injury in time to be called up and is set to keep his place in what has become a very settled XI under Beccacece. The only debate is between Kendry Paez and Alan Minda for the left-wing position.

It's unlikely there'll be many changes in the Bolivian XI, but there have been a few in the squad recently. Oscar Villegas has called up six uncapped players this month.

Four other players have just one cap each, so it's a pretty inexperienced side. Even though they lost 6-0 last time, it's unlikely there'll be many personnel changes.

Villegas is thought to be planning to play more defensively after starting with a 5-4-1 against Argentina, but the big question is whether Miguelito will be fit to play, as he's been out with an injury over the last month.

Possible starting lineup

Ecuador possible starting lineup:

Galindez; Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Preciado, Franco, Caicedo, Estupinan; Plata, Valencia, Paez

Bolivia possible starting lineup:

Viscarra; Medina, Haquin, Suarez, Sagredo; Robson Matheus, Villamil, R Vaca; Miguelito, Algaranaz, Chura