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Both Honduras and Ecuador go into their second game of the World Cup knowing fully well that a defeat might just send them back home. Although both sides started with a defeat, one was rather more unfortunate than the other. Ecuador lost to a last-minute goal from Switzerland after leading 1-0, Honduras were never in the game against France and lost 3-0 whilst displaying no apparent urge to even play football. Ecuador start as firm favourites in a clash that might just send one team out and another with a very good chance of qualifying in second place.
Venue
The second-highest stadium in this year’s World Cup will be looking for its goal in this year’s World Cup. Ecuador will take to the Arena de Baixada in Curitiba (with a capacity of 39,631) hoping to be the first team to score a goal after Iran and Nigeria played host to the World Cup’s first goalless draw. Located in one of Brazil’s coolest places, the high altitude and the late kick off might just favour the Ecuadorians, who will be looking to claim their first win of the tournament.
Kickoff Time
June 21 – 03.30 am – Indian Standard Time (IST)
June 21 – 6.00 pm - Local Time
Possible Starting Line ups
With Wilson Palacios suspended, the Hondurans are likely to draft in defensive midfielder Jorge Claros in his place. Given how little attacking threat they displayed, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Óscar Boniek García take his place on the right flank, with Andy Najar shifting to the left and Roger Espinoza playing in the middle, whilst keeping the same shape.
Honduras (4-4-2): Noel Valladares; Emilio Izaguirre, Maynor Figueroa, Víctor Bernárdez, Brayan Beckeles; Andy Najar, Roger Espinoza, Jorge Claros, Óscar Boniek García; Carlo Costly, Jerry Bengtson.
Ecuador have no injury concerns ahead of this game and coach Reinaldo Rueda is unlikely to make any changes to the side that started in their opener against Switzerland. Expect the same 4-4-2 with Antonio Valencia and Jefferson Montero offering plenty of width on either flanks.
Ecuador (4-4-2): Alexander Dominguez; Walter Ayovi, Jorge Guagua, Frickson Erazo, Juan Carlos Paredes; Jefferson Montero, Christian Noboa, Carlos Gruezo, Antonio Valencia; Enner Valencia, Felipe Caicedo.
Key Facts and Stats
- This will be the first competitive fixture between Honduras and Ecuador.
- Both teams have played with each other in 13 friendlies, of which eight have ended in a draw.
- Ecuador have never drawn a game at a World Cup, winning three and losing the other five.
- La Tri have won all three World Cup games in which they have kept a clean sheet, whilst losing all five in which they conceded a goal.
- Whenever Honduras have scored since the 2010 World Cup, they have not lost a single match, winning 12 and drawing the other 3.
Key Battles
Jefferson Montero vs Brayan Beckeles
Ecuador’s Jefferson Montero was arguably their Man of the match against the Swiss. Montero’s pace and trickery gave the Swiss defence problems all match long and his attacking instinct cut down on Swiss right back Stephan Lichtsteiner’s forward runs. If he continues his good form against Beckeles and gets the better of the right back, then the Ecuadorian strikers will surely have a field day. If Honduras are to stay in the game, Beckeles has to have a blinder and stop the mercurial Montero.
Jorge Claros vs Enner Valencia
With Palacios suspended, Claros looks set to take his place and the Honduran defensive midfielder will be vital in stopping striker Enner Valencia. Against the Swiss, Enner Valencia played as the second striker and was drifting all over the field, trying to run into space and spread the Ecuadorian attack. With Claros sitting deep, he will be required mark the striker and ensure that he doesn’t run amok.
Prediction
Having lost their opener narrowly to the highly-fancied Swiss, Ecuador are undoubtedly the favourites going into the game against Honduras. With an attacking that is fully functioning, Ecuador might just fancy themselves to score a goal or two and secure their first points of the tournament. Honduras on the other hand will be looking to prove that they aren’t just hackers, but footballers as well, in match that is likely to be low on excitement and high on drama. It is unlikely to be anything but a comfortable victory for the South American outfit.
Predicted Scoreline: Honduras 0–2 Ecuador
Match Officials
Referee: Benjamin Williams (AUS)
Assistant referee 1: Matthew Cream (AUS)
Assistant referee 2: Hakan Anaz (AUS)
Fourth official: Yuichi Nishimura (JPN)
