"Ecuador have booked their ticket to a second straight World Cup with ease, even after starting this qualifying cycle on the back foot with a three-point deduction. El Tri have been remarkably hard to break down, posting seven wins, eight draws and just two defeats from 17 outings. All eight stalemates have finished 0-0 - including their last four in succession - highlighting both their defensive discipline and their attacking shortcomings."
"Alan Franco returns from suspension to bolster the midfield, though Moises Caicedo faces a late fitness check after missing the Paraguay game. Piero Hincapie is expected to partner Willian Pacho in central defence, with Joel Ordoñez and Pervis Estupinan deployed in the full-back roles. Up front, record scorer Valencia remains Ecuador's main hope of snapping their goal drought and adding to his tally of 46 international strikes."
Argentina and Ecuador both enter the final qualifying match already assured of places at the 2026 World Cup. Ecuador collected seven wins, eight draws and two defeats from 17 matches while conceding only five goals, but have failed to score in recent games with eight 0-0 draws highlighting attacking problems. Ecuador aim for a first home win over Argentina since June 2009. Alan Franco returns from suspension, Moises Caicedo faces a fitness check, and Piero Hincapie is set to partner Willian Pacho. Enner Valencia remains Ecuador's primary scoring threat with 46 international goals.
Read at Soccer News
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