| Odds via 22bet | |
| Argentina vs Ecuador | July 5, 2024, 2:00 AM GMT+1 |
| Argentina odds | 1.44 |
| Ecuador odds | 8.4 |
| Draw | 4.1 |
| Over\Under | Total 2.5 2.35/1.59 |
It has been business as usual for the reigning world champions in the Copa America so far this summer, as Lionel Messi and co have encountered few issues in ensuring their progression through to the quarterfinal stage. Argentina breezed through Group A with some very professional displays, winning each of their three matches and scoring five goals in the process.
However, the most damning fact for their rivals could be that Argentina have looked more defensively solid during this tournament than they did when winning the World Cup in Qatar.
As usual, Messi gets all the headlines, but it has been the performances of Lautaro Martinez that have truly caught the eye. The Inter Milan striker has been a clinical finisher, netting four times in three matches, including a brace in Argentina’s matchday three success over Peru in Miami.
| Recent Form (all competitions, most recent first) | W-W-W-W-W |
| Key Players to Watch | Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Emi Martinez |
| Team Strengths | World-class attacking players across the forward line. |
| Team Weaknesses | Aging defence could ensure that they are vulnerable against counter-attacking teams. |
Ecuador dared to dream at the 2022 World Cup after catching the eye in their opening two matches, but their lack of discipline ultimately cost them a place in the knockout round.
However, ahead of making an Argentina vs Ecuador prediction this week, it could be worth noting that they have looked more streetwise in the Copa America. The nation did what needed to be done in their final Group B encounter, playing out a tame 0-0 draw against Mexico.
Ecuador’s sides of yesteryear would have continued to try and play on the front foot in that clash, but this year’s team looked more settled in playing out the draw that was required to finish second in the standings.
Defensive issues remain ahead of this clash, as Ecuador has already allowed three goals across their three matches at the Copa America this summer.
| Recent Form (all competitions, most recent first) | D-W-L-W-W |
| Key Players to Watch | Enner Valencia, Moises Caicedo, Jeremy Sarmiento |
| Team Strengths | Proven international experience and reliable players in the middle of the park. |
| Team Weaknesses | Have looked defensively vulnerable across international matches this year. |
Argentina have dominated recent clashes between the nations, winning six of the last seven since Ecuador’s most recent win in October 2015.
That success is just one of two wins that Ecuador has recorded against the reigning world champions since the start of 2008.
All eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi this week, but it could be worth keeping tabs on Lautaro Martinez when making an Argentina vs Ecuador prediction.
The striker has netted four times in the tournament this summer, including goals in each of the three group-stage matches. That scoring sequence was matched throughout the season, with the 26-year-old netting 24 goals in 33 Serie A appearances for Inter Milan.
Enner Valencia remains Ecuador’s most important player, and the 34-year-old will be the out-ball for his side in this quarterfinal showdown.
The striker hasn’t netted at the Copa America since the 2019 edition, while he is without a goal in six competitive matches this year. However, his influence on the team remains vitally important, and he will need to be at his very best if Ecuador are to spring a surprise in Houston.
In this quarterfinal, there will be a fascinating tactical battle in the middle of the park. Ecuador will likely be happy for Argentina to have the lion-share of the possession, but their energy in the middle of the park could give them the ability to turn the ball over quickly.
Moises Caicedo will be vitally important for the outsiders, and he will need to work hard to close down the Argentinean midfielders before playing progressive passes to the attacking midfielders ahead of them.
However, the inclusion of Martinez means that Argentina could bypass the midfield battle, and direct balls into the striker could give them huge success in Friday’s quarterfinal.
Argentina have been more professional than expansive throughout the group stage, yet they have effortlessly created chances against their rivals. We expect this quarterfinal showdown to follow the same pattern once again.
It is also very challenging to overlook the reigning world champion’s dominant record in the head-to-head, meaning a win for the outsiders is challenging to foresee.
Martinez has been the standout player for Argentina at the Copa America this summer after netting four in three games. While it may not be the most lucrative of betting angles, we expect his excellent form in front of goal to continue against a shaky Ecuadorian defence on Friday morning.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all Copa America predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.
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