The goals, minute by minute
- 22'Julián QuiñonesGoal · 1-0
- 31'Raúl JiménezGoal · 2-0
- 90'+5'Piero HincapiéRed card
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Mexico (1st Group A) vs Ecuador (best third) · knockout
Level of the teams
Mexico: host, backed by its fans and a good-level squad (Edson Álvarez,
Santiago Giménez).
Ecuador: a very solid defense (Caicedo, Pacho, Hincapié) and a young
European-level squad. Hard to break down.
Key factors
- Mexico plays at home with the pressure in its favor.
- Ecuador is very solid at the back and dangerous on the counter.
- An even tie: home advantage vs defensive solidity.
Prediction
Result in 90': 1-1 draw (alternative: 2-1 Mexico)
- Mexico win: ~42%
- Draw: ~30%
- Ecuador win: ~28%
Advances: Mexico (~55%)
Player to watch: Moisés Caicedo, Ecuador's engine in both boxes.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium
A very even tie. Home advantage makes Mexico a slight favorite, but Ecuador's
solidity can drag it to extra time or penalties.