Classification in Lima? Ecuador and the great chance of the World Cup but without its two great figures against Peru

The first image of Ecuador It gave us that feeling of wanting to be the overwhelming box that intimidates you from the first minute, but there are details that change the history of any game and the northerners suffered it in the tie to one against Brazil for date 15 of the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers.

A goal against just in the 5th minute of the game -goalkeeper error- and they were not the best feelings for Ecuador, which needed to add to ensure their qualification for the World Cup. A Brazil with the result in favor is doubly complicated.

After those blows, he was lucky that the number of men was matched by a silly expulsion of winger Emerson Royal, and he could have had the advantage if the VAR did not help referee Roldán to change Alisson’s red for yellow, after clearing an aerial ball and hit Enner Valencia.

Although anyone could have budgeted for a defeat or a draw against Brazil, the game was given to add up taking advantage of the spaces of playing ten against ten in a tall city like Quito. They had a chance in the final minutes, but VAR was also another tough opponent to beat.

Terms

Knowing the qualities of Gonzalo Plata and Enner Valencia, the bands are where Ecuador does the most damage and it was there where Plata was encouraged the most, winning the backs of Vinícius Jr, who was thinking more about attacking than collaborating in defense.

However, the expulsion of Domínguez forced Ecuador to leave Franco -for the entry of the substitute goalkeeper Galíndez-, so Valencia stopped having a partner on the right side of the wheel, so he was almost always seen alone. Despite this, it generated danger thanks to the climbs on the Preciado side.

Brazil is no longer the team that lets you play, so friction was present at all times, so much so that in addition to the two red ones, three yellow ones were seen in Brazil in the first half (Alisson, Militao and Raphinha), since It was the way to equip the advantage that height gives to the locals.

In the second half, Ecuador showed the same aggressive face, but with patience to generate their attacks. He lacked a partner in attack who united the intentions of Plata and Valencia, but he kept Brazil in his field for much of the time.

But at the moment when they were doing best, Valencia had to force a play and ended up stepping on a rival. Coincidentally, in June of last year, when Bicolor won in Quito, the attacker was not there either.

Based on that patience, he managed to tie: a center from Plata and a header from central defender Torres. The 1-1 secured a place in the playoffs, but Ecuador was going for more and the referee opened the door for him by sanctioning Alisson’s foul on Preciado. Penalty in the 91st minute, but the VAR annulled it.

All in Lima

Also emotionally beaten. It was a hot game from the start and that upset local spirits. That is why the continuous claims to the referee to sanction everything in his favor -perhaps looking for the decisions to be equated-, and the excessive use of force in many divided plays.

This is how Ecuador arrives, affected by the loss of its starting goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez -Galíndez entered in good shape, yes-, affected by the suspension of his figure Enner Valencia (double yellow). Stuck by a result that could have been better for them and forced to win in Lima to ensure their place in the World Cup here, since then they have to visit Asunción and close with Argentina.

If they don’t want to get complicated in the closing, Ecuador will arrive in Lima ready to steal the points they need to think about Qatar. In a game denatured by the reds, he knew how to fight Brazil at the height of Quito, now he will seek to surprise in the Peruvian plain.

With 24 points, a victory would be enough for Ecuador to reach the safe classification zone – at the close of their match, they were still seven ahead of fourth and fifth (Colombia and Peru, respectively).