Ecuador hold their Copa fate in their own hands

A victory by at least a two-goal margin against Haiti will see La Tricolor clinch the quarter-finals spot, regardless of what happens in a match between Brazil and Peru.

A narrow win could also see Ecuador go through if the other match ends up in Brazil’s or Peru’s favor for that matter.

However, it is not likely La Tricolor will rely on anyone doing them a favor and will look to secure a peaceful end to the match against Haiti. They were heavily tipped for quarter-finals prior to the tournament, but with two consecutive draws, against Brazil (0-0) and Peru (2-2) they find themselves in a nervous finish to the group stage. After two somewhat disappointing performances in the first two rounds, we can certainly expect something special from Ecuador, especially from their forward line that features Premier League stars Antonio Valencia, Jefferson Montero and Enner Valencia.

As for Haiti, they are already out of the tournament with no points on their account so far. A look at their goal difference (1:8) is especially ugly, Brazil doing the most damage beating them 7:1 in the last round. They opened the tournament with a narrow defeat to Peru  which finished third in the last two Copa’s and it came a surprise they were torn to pieces by Brazil. The Caribbean side now has to play for its pride and win the first point of the tournament, and possibly knock out Ecuador.

Head to Head

These two teams faced each other fives times. Four of those matches were friendlies while only one was a competitive match – CONCACAF Gold Cup. Surprisingly, Haiti boast a better record with three wins to Ecuador’s two, including a 2-0 win in the aforementioned Gold Cup (2002).

Match facts

• Haiti are in a dreadfull run of form as they lost four consecutive matches.
• Ecuador have scored at least two goals in three of their last four matches.
• Ecuador have never beaten Haiti in a competitive match.

Team news

Having been sent off against Peru, Gabriel Achiller will have to sit this one out for Ecuador. Miller Bolanos is a doubt and his fitness will be assessed just before the match.

Max Hilaire has overcome his injury and is pushing for a start for Haiti. Coach Patrice Neveu has no other injury or suspension worries.

Predicted lineups:

Ecuador: Dominguez; Paredes, Mina, Erazo, Ayovi; Gruezo, Noboa; A. Valencia, Bolaños, Montero; E. Valencia

Haiti: Placide; Goreux, Genevois, Jerome, Jaggy; Alexandre; Alcenat, Marcelin, Lafrance, Louis; Belfort.