Mexico vs Ecuador prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: Copa América betting tips on match 2024-06-30 00:00.
[p]Chaos has followed Mexico around for the last couple of years. They are onto their third manager since the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while the Mexican Football Federation has undergone a number of personnel changes, including electing a new president in May 2023. Unless El Tri can reach the quarter-finals of the Copa América, further turbulence may be on the horizon.[/p]
[p]Pressure is mounting on manager Jaime Lozano, who saw his side slip to a shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela – a third loss in four internationals (W1) – which leaves them scrambling to qualify for the knockout phase. Only a win in their final group game will be enough to reach the next round, but Mexico will have to make do without captain Edson Álvarez, who is expected to be out for the rest of the tournament with a hamstring injury.[/p]
[p]His absence may be good news for opponents Ecuador, who have only reached the quarter-finals twice in their last nine attempts, but know that a draw will be enough to see them go through on goal difference. Recent results suggest that supporters should be confident of progression too, as their side have lost just four of their last 16 outings (W10, D2) in all competitions.[/p]
[p]That run includes a 3-1 win over Jamaica earlier this week, leading head coach Félix Sánchez to praise his team for showing “a very strong personality”. He will be hoping for more of the same as Ecuador, who welcome all-time record goalscorer Enner Valencia back from suspension, attempt to beat Mexico for just the second time in a competitive international (L5).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Right-back Jorge Sánchez has helped Mexico to victory in eight of his last 12 caps (D1, L3), keeping seven clean sheets in the process. Ecuador’s hopes may rest on 17-year-old rising star Kendry Páez, who will join Chelsea next year and has won both the internationals in which he has scored after netting against Jamaica.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Seven of Ecuador’s last nine Copa América matches have seen both teams score.[/p]