Showdown for promotion to Group A
The Ecuadorian selection has been convincing so far in this World Cup
The South Americans gave the co-favourites for the title a run for their money, especially in their direct clash with the Netherlands, and now they can look forward to advancing to the knockout round.
The Ecuadorians have been convincing so far at this World Cup.
If they are to make it to the last 16 for the second time in the association’s history, they will have to avoid defeat at all costs in their final group match. But if the defence performs as strongly as it did in the first two World Cup matches, then a tip on La Tri could lead to success in Ecuador vs. Senegal.
On the other hand, Senegal were also able to cause the Oranje problems and the required win against hosts Qatar was also achieved. The Africans, for their part, have equally high hopes of a place in the last 16, but they need a win to do so.
In contrast to their opponents, however, the Africans have been somewhat static in terms of their interplay, which is why we are more likely to predict Ecuador vs.
One thing is clear: there should be no boredom in this match, as it is a direct duel for promotion. Senegal, in particular, must deliver and should not hide at the back for too long, and intense emotions are to be expected as well, since both nations can achieve something historic.
Ecuador – Statistics & current form
For the second time ever, Ecuador can qualify for the knockout phase of a World Cup, and for the first time they could get through the group undefeated. Their performances so far have been quite promising, especially tactically they have advantages over their upcoming opponents.
Stable defence as their greatest strength
Only seven shots have been allowed by La Tri in their first two group games. Even the offensively strong Dutch did not find many chances, with the 1-1 draw the title co-favourites were ultimately well served.
By the way: In the past eight international matches, only one goal was conceded. Apart from the opening match against Qatar, the six preparatory test matches were all played without conceding a goal. For Ecuador vs. Senegal, a bet on a low number of goals could lead to success.
Valencia as World Cup specialists
With five goals in the past eight international matches, the offensive output in recent months has been anything but exhilarating, but head coach Alfaro has a World Cup goal specialist in his own ranks in Enner Valencia.
The striker has scored his country’s last six World Cup goals, which also makes him the national World Cup record scorer. If he scores another goal, he would be the first player ever to score seven World Cup goals in a row for his country.
We think the tricolours have a good chance of another success on Tuesday, with betting odds of 2.45 on Ecuador vs. Senegal for tip 1. With a draw already enough to advance, this is within reach, as they have never lost in the past nine international matches!
Predicted line-up of Ecuador:
Galindez – Porozo, Torres, Hincapie – Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan – Plata, Estrada, Valencia
Last matches played by Ecuador:
World Cup Group A
25/11/2022 – Netherlands 1 – 1 Ecuador
20/11/2022 – Qatar 0 – 2 Ecuador
Friendlies
13/11/2022 – Ecuador 0 – 0 Iran
27/09/2022 – Japan 0 – 0 Ecuador
24/09/2022 – Saudi Arabia 0 – 0 Ecuador
Senegal – Statistics & current form
Following their must-win victory over Qatar, they will need a win on the final matchday of the group stage if they are to reach the last 16 for the second time in history. However, the Teranga Lions did not really show any enthusiasm for the game against the host nation, so we are looking forward to their next appearance.
Offensive is needed
While the opponents could live with a 0-0 draw, the Africans are under pressure to score at least one goal. After all, three different scorers have already scored at this finals and in the past six international matches they have only failed to score against the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, the attack has not been very pleasing lately, and it will certainly be a game of patience against the defensively strong South Americans. Accordingly, we view the odds for Ecuador vs. Senegal with a critical eye.
Difficult starting position
How the difficult balancing act between attack and protection will be managed on Tuesday is still written in the stars. One thing the game against Qatar has already shown is that the reigning African champions are not necessarily to be seen as a game-shaping team. So if their opponents are adept at destruction, it will be very difficult.
All in all, we cannot make a prediction on Ecuador vs. Senegal, the 2002 quarter-finalists, who also have only slightly better odds than their opponents.
Predicted line-up of Senegal:
Mendy – Salaby, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs – Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta – Dia, Diedhiou
Last matches played by Senegal:
World Cup Group A
25/11/2022 – Qatar 1 – 3 Senegal
21/11/2022 – Senegal 0 – 2 Netherlands
Friendlies
27/09/2022 – Senegal 1 – 1 Iran
24/09/2022 – Bolivia 0 – 2 Senegal
African Nations Championship Qualification
02/09/2022 – Guinea (3)1 – 0(5) Senegal
Ecuador – Senegal Direct Comparison / H2H Record
Two times the two nations have faced each other so far, with Senegal victorious on both occasions. However, only the Senegalese coach has been involved in these matches, with the last encounter dating back to 2005. On the other hand, the Africans have lost all their World Cup duels with South American teams so far.
Ecuador – Senegal Tip
Like us, the bookmakers see the South Americans with a slight advantage in Ecuador vs. The team of Argentinean head coach Alfaro has been particularly convincing in the group matches so far and the defence seems to be just as well adjusted. All in all, they will make it very difficult for their opponents to score a goal, as they have managed to keep their own box clean in seven of their last eight matches.
On the other hand, Senegal will need to score at least one goal. But they have had their difficulties against deep-lying opponents recently, and Ecuador knows that too. The Qataris are not likely to give them any presents, and the victory they need will be a difficult affair.
