Copa America - Argentina VS Ecuador Prediction

Copa America - Argentina VS Ecuador
Match Time: 05-07-2024 09:00 Friday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Team Analysis  
Argentina continues to impress in the 2024 Copa America, being the only team yet to concede a goal. Their defensive strategy has overshadowed their traditionally vibrant attacking play but has proven effective, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez maintaining clean sheets throughout. Lionel Messi has only one assist, but Lautaro Martinez has thrived, scoring in every match and leading the goal-scoring race.

Ecuador had a turbulent start, losing to Venezuela and struggling in a 3-1 victory over Jamaica. They managed a crucial 0-0 draw against Mexico to advance to the quarterfinals. Enner Valencia’s red card in the opening match was a setback, but the team regained composure to secure their spot.

Head-to-Head
Argentina has dominated their last 18 matches against Ecuador, winning 56% of the games. Their last defeat to Ecuador was in 2015. In their recent encounter before the tournament, Argentina won 1-0 in a friendly. Historically, Ecuador has struggled against Argentina, particularly failing to score in six of their last seven head-to-heads before halftime.

Odds Analysis
Argentina (W1: 1.46) is heavily favored, with Ecuador (W2: 9) being the underdogs. A draw is at odds of 4.1. Argentina's predicted narrow 1-0 victory suggests a total goal count of under 2.5 (Odds: 1.64). Additionally, Ecuador has a favorable +1.5 goal handicap in 23 of their last 24 matches, reflecting a close contest.

Overall, Argentina is expected to maintain over 60% possession and focus on a solid defensive strategy, leaning towards a game with fewer goals and set pieces.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals