Argentina and Ecuador have already officially qualified for the 2022 World Cup later in the year. However, both will be looking to end their campaign on a high note with a victory in their final fixture of the qualification campaign.
World Cup Qualifier Preview
Argentina were always likely to be Brazil’s nearest challengers for qualification to the World Cup, and that has played out that way. However, they are destined to finish second in the standings, four points behind their rivals. They are comfortably in second place though, as they come into this final qualifier 13 points clear of Ecuador.
Argentina have been very professional throughout qualification, as they have won eleven of the 16 games that they have played, and have been held to five draws. They have scored the joint-second most goals, having found the next on 26 occasions. They also have the second-best defensive record, having allowed just seven goals.
Argentina warmed up for this final qualifier with a 3-0 win against Venezuela last week. Lionel Messi scored the third goal in that win, while Angel di Maria and Nicolas Gonzalez also scored in the comfortable win.
Ecuador’s target when the qualification campaign got underway would have been to reach the finals. They have already achieved that target, as their results to this point mean that they will finish in at least the top four places. They are four points clear of Peru coming into this final fixture, and have won seven of the 17 games that they have played.
Their qualification through to the World Cup finals was wrapped up last week, despite being beaten by Paraguay 3-1 on Thursday. That defeat means that Ecuador have now failed to win their last four international fixtures. During that run, they have been held to 1-1 draws on three occasions.
Ecuador vs Argentina Head to Head
Argentina has won their previous four fixtures against Ecuador. During that period, they have scored 13 goals in total, and have conceded just three. Their latest win was in July last year, as Argentina won a Copa America fixture between the sides 3-0.
Ecuador vs Argentina Prediction
Ecuador are struggling for form at the present, and will be relieved to see that this is their final qualifier. Argentina should have the quality to get the win this week and wrap up their campaign with a final victory.
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