The defending champions Argentina will lock horns against young and dangerous Ecuador in a Copa America quarterfinal at the NRG Stadium in Texas.
Argentina has staked its dominance in the tournament, but knockout awaits their way to defend the title. They are on an 8-match winning streak, and their team looks settled. Despite Messi’s lack of goalscoring touch, players like Lautaro Martinez have filled the void. The favorites tag can sometimes backfire, but Argentina looks threatening right now.
Even though Ecuador will start this game as underdogs, they have the firepower to upset World and Copa America champions Argentina. They looked good in group stages, with a spirited draw in the last game against strong Mexico, which clinched their ticket for the quarters. The strength of their team lies in defense, so it will be interesting to see how they perform against Argentina’s fierce attack. 
Match Details
Date: July 05, 2024
Time: 06:30 AM IST
Venue: NRG Stadium, Texas
Team News
Argentina Overview
Recent Form: W-W-W-W-W
Injuries/Suspensions: All Available
Argentina Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
E. Martinez;
Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico;
Di Maria, De Paul, Mac Allister;
Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Ecuador Overview
Recent Form: W-W-L-W-D
Injuries/Suspensions: All Available
Ecuador Predicted Lineup (4-2-2-2):
Dominguez;
Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie;
Franco, M. Caicedo;
Yeboah, Paez, Sarmiento; Valencia
Argentina vs Ecuador Head-to-Head
Since the beginning, Argentina has been stronger than Ecuador, as their head-to-head statistics indicate. Argentina has won 8 of the last 13 encounters, while Ecuador has only won once.
Argentina vs Ecuador Top Players Predictions
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina):
Lautaro Martinez has been the star of Argentina’s team, perhaps even overshadowing Lionel Messi. He leads the Copa America scoring race with four goals and holds Argentina’s fate in his hands. Despite Argentina’s settled unit, their attack hasn’t clicked, and Messi isn’t in his usual goalscoring form so that Martinez could make or break the match.
Moises Caicedo (Ecuador):
After coming under criticism last year, Moises Caicedo revamped his game in January and has been Ecuador’s star in this Copa America. He has been deployed in defensive roles, but in Ecuador, he is used in more attacking roles, and so far, this has been an inspiring change. Caicedo will be Ecuador’s key to success in this game.
Argentina vs Ecuador Betting Tips
Argentina to win- 1.457x odds
Both teams to not score- 1.45x odds
Lautaro Martinez to score goal – 15/4 odds
Argentina vs Ecuador winner Prediction
Argentina is a massive favorite for this match, and every statistic favors them. However, if Ecuador succeeds in muting Martinez and Messi, goalscoring could become a problem. The Ecuador team is good, but Argentina is too strong right now.
Final Prediction:
Argentina 2 – 0 Ecuador
