Blog

Mexico and Ecuador face off on Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, in a must-win game for both teams.

PREVIEW

Ecuador only needs a draw due to their better goal difference, while Mexico needs a win to secure their place in the next round.

Both teams were considered favorites to advance in the group, but after both lost to Venezuela, only one of the teams will advance.

Venezuela’s victories were marked by a lot of luck: Ecuadorian Enner Valencia received an early red card in a 2-1 defeat, and Mexican Orbelin Pineda missed a penalty in a 1-0 loss.

Despite the increasing pressure, Mexico coach Jaime Lozano said he was confident.

“I am calm about the matter,” Lozano told reporters on Friday through an interpreter.

“The circumstances before were not what I expected, but I really trust in the team’s condition, in the team’s performance.

“They are very strong inside and that shows in the performances we have seen in the games, regardless of the result.”

Mexico has a positive record against Ecuador in the past: in competitive matches there have been four wins, one draw and one loss.

However, Ecuador will hope that this clash can reflect the strength of its current generation, despite previous encounters, including a 2-1 defeat at the 2002 World Cup where Mexico had the advantage.

Experienced Enner Valencia, Ecuador’s all-time leading goalscorer, is expected to return after being sent off for a brutal foul on Venezuela’s Jose Martinez.

The midfield is also robust and features players such as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo and 17-year-old Kendry Paez, who scored a penalty in Ecuador’s 3-1 win over Jamaica and will join Chelsea next July.

“It’s a strong and young team in every line, in every position,” Lozano said of Ecuador. “They are a very complete team. They know what they are playing and they are clever.”

LIVE STREAM INFO