Defending champions Argentina face a stern test from Ecuador in the Copa America 2024 quarterfinal, with not only their opponents but also time against them.
The ecuador national football team vs argentina national football team lineups are confirmed ahead of what is shaping up to be an exciting Copa América 2024 quarterfinal showdown. Both teams have their strengths, and knowing who is likely to play for each one is essential to assessing how the game will likely look.
This guide is going to look at the ecuador national football team vs argentina national football team lineups, examining the lineups, star players, formations, match details, and more.
Ecuador vs Argentina Lineups: How They Will Line Up, Starting XI & Formation Info
Both sides are set to share firepower for this crucial Copa América quarterfinal clash. Let’s look at the probable starting XI for both teams.
Ecuador Starting XI (4-2-3-1 Formation)
Coach: Gustavo Quinteros
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Coached by Félix Sánchez Bas, Ecuador will play a compact system designed to counter with speed.
| Position | Player | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Alexander Domínguez | Talented and experienced goalkeeper with vital saves. |
| Right-Back | Ángelo Preciado | Excellent defensively, adds speed at right back. |
| Centre-Backs | Félix Torres | Good in the air and cool in 1v1s. |
| Willian Pacho | Strong defender, good at winning the ball back. | |
| Left-Back | Piero Hincapié | Sharp, pacy, crucial in the offensive buildup. |
| Defensive Midfielders | Carlos Gruezo | Picks off pushes well, protects the defense really. |
| Moisés Caicedo | Box-to-box: Animal in anchoring the midfield. | |
| Attacking Midfielders | Alan Franco | Establishes the link between midfield and attack. |
| Kendry Páez | Young talent, dribbler, and playmaker. | |
| Winger | Jeremy Sarmiento | Pacey, can create chances from the left. |
| Striker | Enner Valencia (C) | The captain, main attacking threat and clinical finisher. |
Key Substitutes:
-
Kevin Rodríguez – Player of impact from the substitute bench, remedies lack of offense.
-
Ángel Mena – Veteran and creative finisher.
Argentina Starting XI (4-4-2 Formation)
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Formation: 4-4-2
Argentina will be set up in a balanced 4-4-2, looking to utilize attacking full-backs and maintain possession.
| Position | Player | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martínez | Top-class goalkeeper with excellent reflexes. |
| Right-Back | Nahuel Molina | Solid defensive player, offers width in attack. |
| Centre-Backs | Cristian Romero | Strong physicality, aerially dominant. |
| Lisandro Martínez | Good on the ball, intelligent in reading the game. | |
| Left-Back | Nicolás Tagliafico | Veteran, contributes in defense and attack. |
| Midfielders | Rodrigo De Paul | Playmaker, bridges defense and attack. |
| Alexis Mac Allister | Can create chances and score. | |
| Enzo Fernández | Powerful DM, can also score goals. | |
| Nicolás González | Pacey and versatile left winger, adds attacking width. | |
| Forwards | Lionel Messi (C) | The captain, directs play, pivotal in attacks. |
| Lautaro Martínez | Decent striker, goal-scoring threat. |
Key Substitutes:
-
Ángel Di María – Brings width, experience, and creativity.
-
Gonzalo Montiel – Defensive sub off the bench.
Tactical Analysis: Ecuador vs Argentina
Ecuador’s Tactical Approach
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Key Tactical Points:
-
Solid as a Rock at the Back: Ecuador will set up a strong defensive screen to frustrate Argentina.
-
Fast Counter-Attacks: Ecuador will exploit spaces left behind Argentina’s attacking full-backs using Sarmiento and Páez.
-
Set Pieces: Aerial threats like Torres and Pacho make Ecuador dangerous from corners and free kicks.
-
Physical Play: Midfielders Caicedo and Gruezo will disrupt Argentina’s rhythm and battle for second balls.
Argentina’s Tactical Approach
Formation: 4-4-2
Key Tactical Points:
-
Possessive Play: With Mac Allister, Fernández, and De Paul, Argentina will dominate the ball.
-
Attacking Width: Molina and Tagliafico will push forward to support Messi and Lautaro.
-
High Press: Argentina will press Ecuador high and force long balls.
-
Attack Contribution: Argentina will target Ecuador’s youthful defense, hoping Messi and Lautaro find success in front of goal.
Head-to-Head: Ecuador vs Argentina
Here’s a look at the historical head-to-head record between Ecuador and Argentina:
| Statistic | Ecuador | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 14 | 14 |
| Wins | 3 | 8 |
| Draws | 3 | 3 |
| Losses | 8 | 3 |
| Goals Scored | 16 | 29 |
| Goals Conceded | 24 | 13 |
Argentina have the edge historically, but Ecuador has shown they can be giant slayers in high-stakes matches.
Match Details: Ecuador vs Argentina
Here’s everything you need to know heading into the match:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | June 24, 2024 |
| Time | 20:00 UTC |
| Venue | Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires |
| Competition | Copa América 2024 Quarterfinal |
| Referee | Wilmar Roldán (Colombia) |
Predictions and Conclusion
Probable Lineups Prediction:
-
Ecuador: Solid in defense, dangerous on counter-attacks, must be clinical in transitions to pose a threat.
-
Argentina: Favourites to win with possession dominance, attacking width, and clinical finishers.
Score Prediction:
Ecuador 1–2 Argentina
While Ecuador will remain defensively sound early in the game, Argentina’s midfield control and attacking quality are likely to tip the game in their favor. That said, Ecuador’s set-piece threat could make it interesting.
