Goiania: With just two points from three matches, Ecuador would like to secure their spot in the Copa America 2021 quarterfinals when they face hosts Brazil on Monday at the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Luvedico.
A win would ensure Equador going into the next round as group runners-up but if they falter or even split points, Gustavo Alfaro’s men have to look up to the outcome of the Venezuela-Peru game later on the day. Both Ecuador and Venezuela have two points each. The top four from each group go into the quarterfinals.
Ecuador started off their campaign with a 0-1 loss against Colombia, thanks to an Edwin Cardona goal. Venezuela held them to a 2-2 draw in the second. Ecuador split points against Peru too with a 2-2 draw.
On Monday, Alfaro’s men would have to do something extraordinary to collect points against a daunting Brazilian side. The Selecao had a dream run in the tourney winning all three games so far in the campaign. They registered 3-0 and 4-0 win against Venezuela and Peru respectively before edging past Colombia 2-1.
On the other hand, Venezuela too had a bad start to the campaign against Brazil before splitting points against Colombia followed by Ecuador. They would require a point to tip Ecuador only to be overturned if only Ecuador asure a huge goal difference.
Peru with four points are in a stronger place to qualify for the next round. They also started their campaign with a hefty defeat against Brazil but bounced back to collect all three points against Colombia winning 2-1. Their 2-2 draw against Ecuador also helped them over others. A win would ensure a spot in final eight although a draw might be also enough.
