Argentina vs Ecuador prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-09-07 00:00.
“The Argentine’s DNA is to continue competing” was the rallying cry of boss Lionel Scaloni as he prepares to lead reigning FIFA World Cup (FWC) champions Argentina into qualifying for the 2026 edition. There have been no signs of complacency since lifting the most famous trophy in sport, with the Albiceleste winning all four matches without conceding a single goal since returning from Qatar.
Qualification for the FWC has proven very straightforward for some time now, with Argentina reaching every finals since 1970. They’re more recently unbeaten across their last 21 qualifiers (W12, D9), a stretch that dates back to a March 2017 loss in Bolivia. Despite their wealth of attacking riches, it’s an air-tight defence that has charged the Argentinians’ success in this particular competition, courtesy of clean sheets in eight of their last ten qualifiers (W7, D3).
Opponents Ecuador were dumped out in the group stages of the 2022 FWC, prompting them to replace boss Gustavo Alfaro with Félix Sánchez Bas. The ex-Qatar manager will be looking to guide Ecuador to back-to-back finals appearances for the first time since 2002 & 2006, but he faces a huge challenge in his first game against a side they have not defeated in nearly eight years.
Ecuador notably started their last FWC qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat away to Argentina, a result that forms part of a miserable run of form on their travels that saw them win just two of their last 16 such qualifiers (D3, L11). Despite those struggles, the Tricolors have shown they’re tough to beat by losing just three of their last 22 matches in all competitions (W9, D10), so they’re unlikely to go down without a fight in Buenos Aires.
Key battle: After his inspirational performance at the last FWC, Lionel Messi arrives for the latest round of qualifiers in red-hot form, netting 11 goals in as many appearances since arriving at Inter Miami. Tasked with tying him down could be Ecuador’s flying full-back Pervis Estupiñán, who has been all action for club side Brighton this season. Estupiñán has recorded one goal, two assists and also picked up two yellow cards in four Premier League appearances.
Hot stat: Argentina haven’t conceded a goal in any of their last six home FWC qualifiers.