Mexico
Mexico have been imperious in the group stage, winning all three matches and keeping clean sheets throughout to top Group A with maximum points and six goals scored – a performance that has given the home nation and their supporters every reason to believe this could be a historic tournament run.
El Tri opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a match that featured three sendings off, with Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez on the scoresheet to set the tone.
A gritty 1-0 win over South Korea followed, before a commanding 3-0 victory over Czech in their final group outing sealed top spot convincingly.
Injuries & Team News
Javier Aguirre made some changes for Mexico’s 3-0 defeat of Czechia but El Tri will now return to being full strength with no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues to deal with ahead of the knockout stage.
The big decision will come in midfield with Erick Lira likely to keep his spot in defensive midfield, ahead of captain Edson Alvarez. There is also a debate about the right-wing berth, with Santiago Gimenez pushing for a start ahead of Roberto Alvarado, but the latter remains favourite.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 3-0 Czechia | W W W W W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Fidalgo, Alvarez, Gutierrez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones
Ecuador
Ecuador, meanwhile, endured a turbulent group stage before ultimately securing their passage through as one of the best third-placed sides on four points from Group E.
Sebastian Beccacece’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast on matchday one, conceding a heartbreaking 90th-minute goal before being held to a goalless draw by Curacao despite registering 27 shots on goal, a result that left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread heading into the final round of fixtures.
The decisive moment came against Group E winners Germany, where Ecuador produced a heroic comeback to win 2-1.
Leroy Sane gave Germany the lead in the opening minutes, but Nilson Angulo equalised quickly before Gonzalo Plata struck the winner in the 77th minute to seal Ecuador’s place in the round of 32.
Injuries & Team News
Enner Valencia is a legendary figure in Ecuadorean football but there is a feeling that Kevin Rodriguez, impressive off the bench against Germany, may now come into the eleven, with Moises Caicedo having taken over the captaincy from the former West Ham United striker.
The all-action style of both Pedro Vite and Alan Franco has been key for Ecuador, with both seemingly playing at wing-back and in midfield. There doesn’t appear to be any injury issues for the South Americans to contend with.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-1 vs Germany | D W W L D W |
Predicted Line-Up
Predicted XI (3-4-3):
Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Franco, Caicedo, Vite, Angulo; Yeboah, Rodriguez, Plata
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico Win | 13/10 — (2.30) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 2/1 – (3.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Ecuador Win | 31/10 – (3.10) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Meixico 1-0 Ecuador
Most people are suggesting this will be a straight forward win for Mexico but that won’t be the case, Ecuador came into this world cup in fine form and they showed that against Germany in the last game. Having to travel to Altitude may affect Ecuador however and im backing Mexico by a solitary goal.