Defending Copa America champions Argentina will face Ecuador in their first match of the knockout round at the 2024 tournament in the United States.
Despite being without talismanic captain Lionel Messi for the final game of the group stages, the Albiceleste won comfortably against Peru to cap off a strong showing through the first three matches. Argentina won all three games to top Group A and advance to the quarterfinals with plenty of momentum.
On the other hand, Ecuador, who are looking to reach their first semifinal since hosting the event in 1993, secured a place in the Copa America quarters on Sunday after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Mexico, who bowed out of the tournament after finishing third in Group B due to inferior goal difference.
La Tri should be under no illusions about the scale of the task they face in the last eight against World Cup champions Argentina, who have never lost to Ecuador at the Copa America, winning their 2021 quarterfinal clash against them in emphatic fashion (3-0). Lionel Scaloni's team have progressed through this stage four times in a row.
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Argentina vs. Ecuador live stream, TV channel
- TV channel: N/A
- Streaming: N/A
Unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation of TV and live stream broadcasts of Copa America in India. Reports had suggested that FanCode and Sony were ready to take up broadcast rights for the tournament but, as yet, that has not been made official. So at the moment, there is no official platform in India on which viewers can stream or any channel on which the match will be broadcast.
However, if this match is not available to watch live in your location, or if you're travelling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
What time is Argentina vs. Ecuador kickoff?
This Copa America match kicks off from NRG Stadium on Thursday, July 4 at 8:00 p.m. local time in Houston, Texas, USA.
For fans in India, that means a 6:30 a.m. IST kickoff on Friday, July 5.
Argentina vs. Ecuador projected lineups & team news
The main talking point leading up to Argentina's Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador on Thursday will be talisman Lionel Messi's fitness. It was no great surprise to see the 37-year-old Inter Miami star sit out the clash with Peru after he required treatment in Argentina's second game against Chile. He even admitted after the match that he had felt "some discomfort" in his right hamstring.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion took part in full practices this week and there's confidence that Messi will prove his fitness in time for the match in Houston.
Scaloni also rested the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Julian Alvarez for Saturday's 2-0 win over Peru on Matchday 3, all of whom should return to the starting lineup for this game.
Angel Di Maria reclaimed his place in the starting 11 last time out, while Nicolas Tagliafico was the only defender to keep his spot, and Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez should reunite with him in a back four here.
With four goals in this competition so far, including a brace against Peru, Inter Milan hitman Lautaro Martinez is set to spearhead the Argentine attack against Ecuador, flanked by Alvarez and Messi.
Argentina projected starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico — Di Maria, De Paul, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
After missing their previous encounter through suspension, Ecuador's all-time leading goalscorer Enner Valencia played the full 90 against Mexico, with John Yeboah making way. He will be the man up top to provide a difference as he looks to add to his 41-goal international tally against the world champions.
Kendry Paez is an attacking force from midfield for Ecuador. He is very positive with the ball and uses his electrifying burst of speed to get past defenders. Jeremy Sarmiento's athleticism makes him a problem for backlines, while Alan Minda is another exciting young impact player.
Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo and defender Piero Hincapie create a strong spine for the team.
Ecuador projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Dominguez (GK) — Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie — Franco, M. Caicedo — Minda, Paez, Sarmiento — Valencia.
Argentina vs Ecuador prediction
- Score prediction: Argentina 2-1 Ecuador
Ecuador have plenty of talent to cause Argentina trouble and are capable of giving their opponents a run for their money, but expect the Albiceleste to come out and put on a display that showcases they are on track to defend their Copa America crown.
Argentina have plenty of individuals who can come up clutch and make a difference when it matters most, and they will ultimately do enough to edge out Ecuador.
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