We kick off our assessment of the Group E candidates by casting an eye over the South Americans, Ecuador. In what looks a relatively open group, Reinaldo Rueda’s men will fancy their chances of picking up the points early on – first up, they face Switzerland on Sunday June 15 at 5pm and then take on Honduras five days later at 11pm before squaring up to favourites France on Wednesday June 25 at 9pm:
Road to Qualification
Ecuador’s progress to this summer’s tournament was largely down to their home form. Rueda’s side won seven and drew one of eight fixtures in front of their own fans, compared to three draws and five defeats on the road, and resultantly finished fourth in the CONMEBOL group behind Argentina, Colombia and Chile. Scoring just 20 times, they were the least prolific of any South American qualifier and their prospects were hit hard by the death of Christian Benitez last July, with the onus firmly on Felipe Caicedo to fire his side into the knockout stages.
Most Starts Walter Ayovi (16), Fricson Erazo, Antonio Valencia (15), Juan Carlos Paredes (14), Segundo Castillo, Alexander Dominguez (12), Cristian Noboa (11) Christian Benitez, Jefferson Montero (9)
Most Goals Felipe Caicedo (7), Christian Benitez (4), Jefferson Montero, Segundo Castillo (3)
The Key Targets
Since clinching their qualification, Ecuador have remained unbeaten in four friendly matches. Draws with Argentina, Honduras and Holland, in addition to a 4-3 win over Australia, will allow them to approach the tournament with confidence – the 1-1 stalemate against the Dutch was just a couple of weeks ago and Rueda’s side still have games against Mexico and England to follow before their World Cup gets underway.
In defence, attacking full-backs Walter Ayovi and Juan Carlos Paredes look the safest options. Ecuador are set up in a 4-4-2 formation and will look to counter with speed – available for 4.9 and 4.7 in FantasyiTeam respectively, their raids down the flank are key to Rueda’s tactical approach. Elsewhere at the back, Jorge Guagua and Fricson Erazo are the favourites to take up the centre-half berths – the latter has struggled for game time at his club Flamengo, though, and approaches the tournament lacking in match sharpness.
In midfield, Antonio Valencia is nailed-on down the right, with Jefferson Montero taking up the opposite flank. The latter may well be overlooked, though, with many opting for the more familiar United man, though Montero has a far better record in qualifying – he scored three times from nine starts, whereas Valencia failed to net in any of his 15 appearances in the XI. Montero and Valencia come in at just 5.5 and 5.6 in in FantasyiTeam for those eyeing up Ecuador’s main assets.
Alternatively, midfield battler Segundo Castillo and Christian Noboa look just as crucial to their side’s progress. Sitting in front of the back-four, the former’s defensive contribution is fundamental to the counter-attacking philosophy and, coming in at just 4.9 in FantasyiTeam, he chipped in with three goals over the qualifying campaign, with his penchant for a long shot and aerial threat in the box boosting his potential. Noboa (4.8 in FantasyiTeam) is the central playmaker, with his range of passing an equally essential ingredient in Rueda’s starting line-up.
First-choice for spot-kicks, Felipe Caicedo ended the qualifying campaign as his nation’s top scorer, netting seven times in 10 appearances. Offering a real physical presence up top, he’s nailed-on for the more advanced forward role despite a somewhat disappointing series of displays since moving to Abu Dhabi outfit Al Jazira – available for a reasonable 7.5 in in FantasyiTeam, he could be worth considering as a mid-price option for those first couple of fixtures in particular.
The Long Shots
Enner Valencia looks to have cemented the role as central support striker as Ecuador re-assess their options up front in light of Benitez’ passing. Plying his trade for Mexican outfit Pachuca, he’s notched 17 times in 21 appearances in all competitions and arrives in very impressive form – Valencia will set you back just 6.2 in FantasyiTeam.
Further Analysis
Group A – Brazil,Cameroon, Croatia, Mexico
Group B – Australia, Chile, Holland, Spain
Group C – Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan
Group D – Costa Rica, England, Italy, Uruguay
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