The Inaugural Copa America tournament will commence in a few days, featuring sixteen teams vying for the prestigious title. Among them is Ecuador, making their thirtieth appearance in the competition. Unfortunately, the Tricolors' best result in this competition has been a fourth-place finish. Currently rated 31st in FIFA Rankings, Ecuador are placed as the fifth-best team going into this event. Here's why we believe Ecuador has a strong chance to secure a top-four finish in the upcoming Copa America Tournament.
Get Your Sign-Up Bonus!The Big Three Syndrome
Over the years, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have consistently excelled in this competition. According to the latest FIFA rankings, these three teams are at the top of the CONMEBOL ratings, solidifying their status as the leading forces in this esteemed tournament. Their teams boast players from around the world, making it a formidable challenge for any other team to match their depth and talent. While Ecuador may not have the same level of quality as these leading teams, there is hope and anticipation that the Tricolors will rise to the occasion and prove themselves against the odds.
Unbalanced Squad
Coach Felix Sanchez has selected Enner Valencia (Internacional), Jordy Caicedo (Atlas FC) and Kelvin Rodriguez (Royal Union Saint Gilloise) as his main striker for this event. While Enner Valencia boasts an impressive forty (40) goals for Ecuador, the other two players have scored only three goals in their last twenty-six appearances combined. It's evident that there might be a lack of attacking strength, especially considering Enner Valencia's age. Additionally, Moses Caicedo is the only midfielder from a top European club. Despite these challenges, we hope the team performs well in the upcoming competition.
Players To Watch
Piero Hincape, the Bundesliga title winner, is set to make his first appearance in the Copa America for the Tricolors. The highly-rated defender played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen's three-man defense last season. With his skills and determination, the twenty-two-year-old defender is expected to make a significant impact and shine for Ecuador in the upcoming tournament. Another standout player to watch is the highly-rated Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, whose consistent performance in the Premier League has been turning heads. Known for his precision in long passes and exceptional interception abilities, Caicedo is expected to make a strong impression in the upcoming tournament.
Expert Betting Tips
In the 2021 edition, Ecuador's dreams were shattered when they suffered a (0-3) defeat against Argentina in the quarterfinals. Moreover, they have managed just two wins in the Copa America Championship since 2011. Ecuador have a slightly weaker squad this time around, and given the performance of the other top teams in this competition in recent years, Ecuador's chances may be limited. However, I believe they have a good shot at qualifying for the knockout stage in a group that includes Jamaica, Mexico, and Venezuela.
Good Luck!