Argentina-Ecuador, the quarterfinals begin in Copa America: the first to take the field are Scaloni’s defending champions.
With the group stage over, the 48th edition of the Copa America is preparing to get into full swing with the quarterfinals. First to take the field after a two-day break are defending champions Argentina, set to take on Ecuador. The Albiceleste finished with full points in their group, in which Canada, Chile and Peru were also included: none were able to create any headaches for Messi and his teammates, who in addition to lengthening their winning streak – 8 in a row, if we also include friendlies – have collected as many as 3 consecutive clean sheets, managing to always keep their goal unbeaten.
Lautaro Martinez, with 4 goals scored in three games, stole the show from Messi, who was also absent due to injury in the last match with Peru: the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to recover for the challenge with the Tricolor but doubts about his presence remain. Ecuador finished only second in Group A behind Venezuela, which beat them in the opener in a comeback, taking advantage of numerical superiority (Valencia was sent off after only 20 minutes of play). Decisive, then, was the victory with bottom-placed Jamaica but above all the precious white-net draw with Mexico in the last day’s direct clash. Ecuador and Argentina have faced each other 16 times in the various editions of the Copa America: the Tricolor is still chasing its first success over the Albiceleste (11 Argentina wins and 5 draws) in this competition.
Argentina-Ecuador, Lautaro Martinez is relentless
Argentina’s big star of the group stage was undoubtedly Lautaro Martinez. The Inter Milan striker proved to be in top form and, as usual, relentless in goal. With a half-serving Messi, we are betting on him as a possible scorer of the challenge.
In addition to Lautaro, Julian Alvarez also ended up in the scorer’s box. The Manchester City player is another one that Scaloni definitely does not want and cannot give up, and in the Houston match he should register at least two shots on goal. Also watch out for midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who is always dangerous with his constant forays into the penalty area: the former Brighton man sees the goal, and we expect at least two total shots from him (he could also collect a yellow, given his impetuousness in confrontations). One of the biggest dangers for the Argentine defense will almost certainly be 17-year-old Kendry Paez, so far the liveliest of the Ecuadorians. The Independiente del Valle youngster, in addition to recovering 19 balls, was the second-best shooter (10 shots) after Rondon. Valencia, always inspired when wearing the Tricolor jersey, could also have a say: the 34-year-old will engage “Dibu” Martinez on at least one occasion. Finally, two possible cautions in Ecuador are Moises Caicedo and Preciado.
Share comparison
Lautaro Martinez scorer Plus is listed at 2.20 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 2.50 on Snai. Paez at least two total shots Plus is quoted at 1.70 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and 2.05 on Snai.
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