Heading into the final matchday, Ecuador were not expecting to be in the position they are currently in. La Tri fans would have been under the assumption that Ecuador were more than capable of getting all six (or at least three) points in their opening two matches vs. Ivory Coast and Curacao. Unfortunately, this is not how things panned out.
A disappointing first match ended in a loss to Ecuador after a 90th-minute winner from Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo. With zero points heading into Matchday 2, many expected a comfortable bounce-back for Ecuador against a Curacao team that had lost 7-1 to Germany just days earlier. Despite 27 total shots, 15 shots on target, and 75% possession, Ecuador were unable to get on the scoresheet. The 0-0 draw left Ecuador with just one point heading into today’s final match against Germany.
Can they upset group winners Germany?
On the completely different side of the World Cup spectrum is Germany. The European side have secured the top spot in Group B following their landslide victory over Curacao and their hard-fought 2-1 comeback win vs. Ivory Coast.
Despite Germany having already scored nine goals in their opening games, Ecuador will not be too worried about their ability to defend the in-form German attack. The focus and main concern for La Tri will be on their own attacking prowess. Ecuador have yet to score at this World Cup, and managed to score just 14 goals in 18 qualifying matches. Goals win games, and Ecuador will have to score their first World Cup goal(s) today to advance to the knockout stages.
