How do Argentina and Ecuador approach their quarter-final clash?

Although the history of their confrontations in the America Cup does not favor Ecuador (16 games, no wins and only four draws), it is possibly the rival that the team least wanted. Albiceleste In rooms.

This was made clear by Messi, who days before the start of the tournament placed Ecuador in the group of favourites along with Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay, or Rodrigo de Paul, who, after the friendly against them on June 10, said: “Ecuador plays very well, at least I like the way they approach matches. We know the demands. We have to understand that there are times to play, times to try, and they understand that as well.”

Neither team expected to meet so soon, as Ecuador was the favourite in its group. But the setback against Venezuela, conditioned by the early expulsion of Enner Valencia, and the magnificent trajectory of the ‘Vinotinto’ have anticipated the clash.

The team led by Spaniard Félix Sanchez is not in its best form, questioned by the fans, who qualified suffering until the last moment against Mexico (the VAR corrected a penalty awarded in extra time by the referee), which has revealed disagreements within the squad – the beginning of a fight between Moisés Caicedo and Carlos Gruezo.

Will Lionel Messi play?

One day before the match, Argentina is concerned about the captain’s physical condition, who was injured in an adductor a week ago and was absent against Peru and who they do not want to overdo.

For this reason, although he has already returned to the group, he could start on the bench and depending on how the match progresses, it may be decided to bring him on or wait for a hypothetical semi-final, if the champions see the match resolved minutes before.

It is not certain that he will be on the court, but his team might need him and he would, in theory, be available. to play at least a few minutes of the game.

Messi’s presence or absence determines Argentina’s lineupIf the captain is not there, Di María could take on that role, as he did against Peru, and Enzo Fernández could take over in midfield. In attack, Lautaro Martínez, the tournament’s top scorer, seems to have earned himself a place in the starting eleven thanks to his goals.

In Ecuador, with one less day of recovery and hardly any rotations, Félix Sánchez could bring on Carlos Gruezo to reinforce the midfield, as he did in the match against Mexico.

Argentina and Ecuador face each other this Thursday at NRG Stadium in Houston with an Ecuadorian team that has performed below expectations, but is uncomfortable for the champions and is willing to surprise in the quarterfinals of the Copa América.

*With information from EFE.

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