The first quarterfinal match will feature Argentina (1st in Group A with 9 points) against Ecuador (2nd in Group B with 4 points).
After securing the runner-up spot in Group B, Ecuador is set to face the reigning Copa America champions for a place in the semi-finals. Check out our prediction and preview for the crucial Argentina vs. Ecuador matchup.
Who won Copa America 2021?
Argentina
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Argentina vs Ecuador: Match Preview
Ecuador head coach Félix Sánchez has compared their Copa America quarter-final against defending champions Argentina in Houston to a final.
La Tricolor had a rocky start to the tournament, losing 2-1 to Group B winners Venezuela. However, they bounced back with an impressive 3-1 victory over Jamaica and a goalless draw against Mexico, securing second place in the group and advancing to the knockout stage.
Although Ecuador has never won the Copa America, a victory over Argentina would make them a team to watch. Sánchez believes his players have the potential to pull off an upset.
“We know it is an unmatched opponent, and we know how tough it’s going to be, and we’ll see how that unfolds,” Sanchez said.
“It is yet another final for us, and we will try to compete against the world’s champion and the world’s best team. I believe that our team is going to be extremely motivated with a very high morale and trying to play a good match.”
“I have full confidence in our players. I know that they are going to give their best as they’ve done in the three matches. We know how tough it is, and we’re going to do whatever we can to win it.”
Argentina maintained a perfect record in the group stage, winning all three games without conceding a goal. Lautaro Martínez was the standout performer, leading the Golden Boot race with four goals.
Lautaro Martínez has scored four goals in the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América™. In the 21st century, only two Argentine players have surpassed that total in a single tournament: Juan Román Riquelme in 2007 and Lionel Messi in 2016, each with five goals.
They are also likely to be bolstered by the return of Lionel Messi, who missed their 2-0 victory over Peru due to a hamstring issue. Head coach Lionel Scaloni will also be back on the touchline after serving a one-match ban.
Emiliano Martínez did not concede any goals in the group stage of the CONMEBOL Copa América™. If he maintains a clean sheet in the quarterfinals, he will match the four clean sheets he achieved in the last tournament in Brazil. Only one Argentine goalkeeper has kept four clean sheets in a single tournament.
Despite these reinforcements, assistant coach Walter Samuel anticipates a tough battle, acknowledging the challenges posed by Ecuador’s playing style.
Argentina enters the match in excellent form, boasting the tournament’s top scorer, Lautaro Martínez, with 4 goals. They have yet to concede a goal and are aiming for back-to-back championships. They are also expecting the return of Lionel Messi, who missed the third-round match against Peru due to injury.
Argentina has won its last eight matches across all competitions, equaling their longest winning streak under Lionel Scaloni. A victory in the quarterfinals against Ecuador will set a new record for La Albiceleste since Scaloni took charge in September 2018.
Ecuador, on the other hand, struggled until the end, securing their spot with a draw against Mexico in the third round. Moisés Caicedo is in great form, and Kendry Páez has demonstrated remarkable maturity and leadership despite his young age.
Kendry Páez of Ecuador led all players in Group B of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América™ with 19 ball recoveries and was the second-highest shooter with 10 shots, behind only Salomón Rondón’s 13.
“They are different rivals,” Samuel said. “We faced Ecuador in the last friendly. We know them and [they] have a capable coach. The physical part is a big deal, but they have a great technical quality, too. They are playing this tournament well, and it’ll be difficult.”
“We have seen many players who had not had game time [against Peru]. We have now used almost the whole squad. Now comes the next round and we need to be ready.”
Argentina vs Ecuador: Head-to-head
- 11 Wins Argentina
- 5 Draws
They have met 16 times in the CONMEBOL Copa América™, with Ecuador yet to secure a win against Argentina. They have faced off in knockout rounds only once, during the 2021 quarterfinals, where Argentina triumphed 3-0.
Argentina vs Ecuador: Recent Form
Argentina: WWWWW (all competitions, most recent first)
Ecuador: DWLWW (all competitions, most recent first)
Argentina vs Ecuador: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Argentina: Team News
The main talking point leading up to Argentina’s Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador on Thursday is the fitness of talisman Lionel Messi. It was unsurprising to see the 37-year-old Inter Miami star sit out the clash with Peru after requiring treatment during Argentina’s second game against Chile. Messi admitted to feeling “some discomfort” in his right hamstring after that match.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion participated in full practices this week, and there is confidence that Messi will be fit in time for the match in Houston.
Scaloni also rested key players Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, and Julian Alvarez for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru on Matchday 3. All of them are expected to return to the starting lineup for this game.
Angel Di Maria reclaimed his place in the starting eleven last time out, while Nicolas Tagliafico was the only defender to retain his spot. Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, and Lisandro Martinez are expected to join Tagliafico in a back four.
With four goals in the competition so far, including a brace against Peru, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is set to lead the Argentine attack against Ecuador, flanked by Alvarez and Messi.
Argentina: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico
- Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes or Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister
- Forwards: Lionel Messi or Ángel Di María, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez
Ecuador: Team News
After missing their previous match due to suspension, Ecuador’s all-time leading goalscorer Enner Valencia returned to play the full 90 minutes against Mexico, replacing John Yeboah. Valencia will lead the attack as he aims to add to his 41-goal international tally against the world champions.
Kendry Páez is a dynamic attacking force from midfield for Ecuador, known for his positive play and electrifying speed to get past defenders. Jeremy Sarmiento’s athleticism poses a constant threat to opposing backlines, while Alan Minda is another exciting young impact player.
Defensive midfielder Moisés Caicedo and defender Piero Hincapié form a strong backbone for the team.
Ecuador: Predicted Lineup
- Goalkeeper: Alexander Domínguez
- Defenders: José Hurtado or Ángelo Preciado, Félix Torres, William Pacho Tenorio, Piero Hincapié
- Midfielders: Alan Franco, Kendry Páez, Moisés Caicedo, Jeremy Caicedo
- Forwards: Carlos Gruezo or Kevin Rodríguez, and Enner Valencia
Argentina vs Ecuador: Match Prediction
This match is Argentina’s to lose, and with or without Messi, they will be ready for the challenge. Expect the reigning champions to rely on their attacking depth to secure their latest Copa America victory, likely keeping a clean sheet in the process. Prediction: Argentina 3, Ecuador 0.
When and Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India?
The Argentina vs. Ecuador Copa America 2024 soccer game will be live-streamed on Fox and the Fox Sports app.
