Ecuador vs Colombia
2018 World Cup Qualifiers – South America.
Date: Tuesday, 28th March 2017
Kick-off at 22:00 UK / 23:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa, Quito.
2018 World Cup Qualifiers – South America.
Date: Tuesday, 28th March 2017
Kick-off at 22:00 UK / 23:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa, Quito.
From leaders to mid-table strugglers, this is what a series of poor performances have done to Ecuador in their quest for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2018. With the 2-1 defeat at Paraguay last week, they have lost in 5 of their last 8 matches. This pushed them down to fifth in the league table, which is the intercontinental play-off spot.
Despite the overall poor run in the competition, Ecuador profit from playing at home conditions. The Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa in Quito is 2,782 meters above the sea-level; a hostile atmosphere for almost all visiting teams. Ecuador were beaten only once at home in 6 matches during the ongoing qualifiers. They picked 4 wins and 1 draw from the remaining 5. The last two matches here ended in comfortable wins by 3-0 margins, against Chile and Venezuela.
Colombia struggled to break down a stubborn Bolivian defense at home in the previous qualifying match. They were literally gifted the three points after a silly foul gave away a penalty in the closing stages.
The pressure is mounting on Jose Pekerman as Colombia were without a win in their previous four matches, with 2 draws and 1 defeat. The win against Bolivia give them a lifeline, but tough fixture awaits them in the race for qualification. They are currently 1 place above Ecuador with a 1 point lead.
Colombia’s away record in this year’s qualifiers is 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses from 6 matches.
Ecuador vs Colombia: Head-to-head
Colombia won the first leg of the corresponding fixture on a 3-1 margin. Their recent h2h record against Ecuador is 5 wins from 6 matches, but all the wins came on Colombian soil.
Ecuador are unbeaten in the last four qualifiers at home against Colombia, with 2 wins and 2 draws. The most recent meeting here on 2012 ended in a 1-0 win. Colombia have failed to score in four of their last six visits to Quito.
Ecuador vs Colombia: Prediction
The playing conditions will be the main factor that pose a real threat to Colombia in this crucial World Cup qualification fixture. Moreover, their struggles in front of goal and an out of form James Rodriguez will cost them dearly here.
The match is expected to be dominated by the hosts. They had so far shown a confident and fearless attitude against teams visiting Quito. This will be no different on Tuesday evening.
Ecuador vs Colombia: Bet Tips
Ecuador to win at 2.75 with Betfair.
