World Football
Saikat Sengupta
Matchweek 12 group fixtures of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers take us to the Estadio Metropolitano in Colombia where the hosts are scheduled to lock horns against Ecuador.
Colombia currently occupies the third spot in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers standings, having secured five wins and four draws from their 11 matches thus far. With 19 points on the board, they remain within striking distance of the table-toppers, Argentina, and would be eager to close the gap in their upcoming fixture.
Their most recent outing, however, ended in heartbreak as they fell to a 3-2 defeat against Uruguay. A stoppage-time winner from Manuel Ugarte sealed Los Cafeteros’ fate in a hard-fought contest, highlighting both their potential and the areas requiring improvement. As the qualifiers progress, Colombia will be determined to regroup and strengthen their position to secure direct qualification for the World Cup.
#LaBuenaVibraConLaSele #TodosSomosColombia🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/4bDhIwShqu
Ecuador sits fifth in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 16 points from 11 matches, thanks to five wins and four draws. They recently thrashed 10-man Bolivia 4-0, boosting their morale and goal difference. With a mix of experience and young talent, Ecuador remains firmly in the race for World Cup qualification.
Ecuador’s impressive form have been fueled by a cohesive squad and standout performances in attack. Their recent dominance against Bolivia underscores their intent to secure a top-four finish, keeping them in contention for a direct World Cup berth.
Wednesday, 20 Nov 2024, at 04:30 AM IST
Location – Estadio Metropolitano, Colombia
Colombia (in all competitions) – L-W-L-L-D
Ecuador (in all competitions): W-D-D-W-L
Luis Diaz, Liverpool’s new poster boy and a dynamic left winger for the Colombia national team, is celebrated for his dribbling, speed, and control. Since his debut with Barranquilla, Díaz has enjoyed success at Atlético Junior, Porto, and Liverpool, where he won the FA Cup and EFL Cup in his first season.
Internationally, Díaz has earned over 50 caps, winning the Copa América Golden Boot in 2021 and leading Los Cafeteros to a runner-up finish in 2024. A versatile attacker, he remains a key figure for both club and country.
Luis Díaz no-look 🥶#UCL pic.twitter.com/q1G1sQKxyq
Enner Remberto Valencia has emerged as a renowned Ecuadorian forward who plays for Internacional in Brazil and captains the Ecuador national team. A versatile attacker, Valencia is celebrated as one of Ecuador’s greatest players and is the country’s all-time top scorer with 43 international goals, including a record six at FIFA World Cups. Valencia began his career with Emelec, where he won the 2013 Ecuadorian Serie A and the Copa Sudamericana Golden Boot.
After a prolific stint at Pachuca in Mexico, he moved to West Ham United in 2014 as one of the club’s largest signings. Subsequent years saw him excel with Everton, Tigres UANL in Mexico, Fenerbahçe in Turkey, and Internacional.
The home side have no injury concerns for the upcoming match.
Ecquador’s gaffer will also have the liberty to pick his best combination from a fully fit and available side.
Total Matches: 40
Colombia won: 22
Ecuador won: 08
Draws: 10
Vargas (GK); Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Rios, Portilla, Arias; Quintero; Duran, Diaz
Galindez (GK); Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Yeboah, Plata, Franco, Vite, Minda; Valencia
Ecquador’s recent form has been good. But Colombia have the golden opportunity to equalise the table toppers in terms of points with a win in the next match. We expect the home side to clinch an easy victory.
Prediction: Colombia 2-0 Ecuador
India: TBD
USA: Fanatiz USA
Colombia – Caracol Play
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