Group stage · Group E · #11
Ivory Coast v Ecuador
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The goals, minute by minute
- 90'Amad DialloGoal · 1-0
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Ivory Coast (33rd FIFA) vs Ecuador (23rd FIFA)
Level of the teams
- Ivory Coast: Africa Cup champion, on a hot streak (4-0 vs Korea, 1-0 vs Scotland, 2-1 vs France in friendlies). Tournament dark horse.
- Ecuador: unbeaten in 19 matches, CONMEBOL qualifying runner-up, very solid defense (Caicedo, Pacho, Hincapié).
Key factors
- Ecuador 10 places higher in the ranking and one of the best defenses.
- Ivory Coast arrives in great form, with a physical and fast squad.
- Even match: few goals expected, decided by a small detail.
Prediction
Most likely result: 1-1 draw (alternative: 1-0 Ecuador)
- Ivory Coast win: 29%
- Draw: 33%
- Ecuador win: 38%
Player to watch: Moisés Caicedo, Ecuador's engine in both boxes.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium
Two rising, very evenly matched teams. Ecuador's defensive solidity and pedigree make it a slight favorite, but Ivory Coast's form makes a draw likely.