Following their World Cup qualification, Ecuador is set to clash with Brazil, a team that commands respect on any field. The match is further complicated by Brazil’s recent appointment of the highly decorated Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

Adding to the strategic considerations, coach Sebastián Beccacece has decided to hold the upcoming qualifier matches against Brazil and Argentina in Guayaquil, at sea level. This deviates from their traditional home ground in Quito, which sits at an altitude of 2,850 meters.

Beccacece stated that the time has come to “prove ourselves equally to selections such as brazil and Argentina,” referring to the importance of these matches at the end of the qualifiers.

Acknowledging the change as “a very risky risk, but we are willing to change the story,” Beccacece expressed confidence in his players, who he believes have transformed the team “into a team of a lot of hierarchy” after securing titles in Europe with their respective clubs.

Currently, Ecuador holds the second position in the table with 23 points, while Argentina leads with 31 points, having already qualified. A victory for Ecuador, coupled with a tie between Bolivia and Venezuela, would secure Ecuador’s spot in their fifth World Cup.

Team Updates and Key Players

The Ecuadorian team faces some adjustments in its lineup. Historic scorer, Enner Valencia, and alternating Leonardo Campana, are being managed carefully, while Gonzalo Plata remains sidelined due to injury and will miss both games, despite being summoned.

Beccacece emphasized that “for all these individual situations, the crucial thing is to see how we become strong collectively.”

“We respect brazil, but on the court we are 11 against 11,”

Brazil’s decision to hire Ancelotti aims to revitalize their performance, which has lacked its usual brilliance and assertiveness in these qualifiers. Their previous match against argentina resulted in a 4-0 defeat, leading to the departure of coach Junior Dorival.

Carlo Ancelotti is celebrated as one of football’s most accomplished coaches, having won titles in Europe’s top five leagues: Germany, England, Italy, France, and Spain. He is also the most successful coach in Real Madrid’s history.

“We respect Brazil, but on the court we are 11 against 11,” said Moisés Caicedo, champion of the Conference League of Europe, with Chelsea. “We are sure that it will be a very complicated game, but we are convinced that we can win.”

Central defender William Pacho,champion of the Champions League with the PSG,added that “we come with great confidence with great desire to win,if we are good and if it does not have to continue working” and also noted that “we are going step by step,they are moments that you have to live every situation.”

The visiting team is expected to feature Vinicius Jr and Richarlison in the front line, with Raphinha absent due to suspension. There is also anticipation surrounding the potential debut of 18-year-old Estevao Willian, a rising star in Brazilian football who has already been signed by Chelsea.

match Details

The match is scheduled to take place on Thursday afternoon at the Banco Pichincha stadium in Barcelona.