Copa America 2024 Quarter Final : Argentina V/s. Ecuador Match Preview and Lineups

Copa America 2024 Quarter Final

3 July, 2024 - Indian Date

NRG Stadium

MATCH TIMES

India

06:30 AM

UAE

05:00 AM

Saudi Arabia

4:00 AM

FULL TIME

Mexico [1-1] Ecuado

Penalties: [4-2] - Argentina Won on Penalties

Predicted Lineups:

Argentina possible starting lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Di Maria, De Paul, Mac Allister; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez

Ecuador possible starting lineup: Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Franco, M. Caicedo; Yeboah, Paez, Sarmiento; Valencia

Team Previews

Argentina and Ecuador are set for an exciting quarter-final clash at NRG Stadium in Houston, reprising their meeting from the 2021 Copa America. Argentina, the reigning champions, have displayed impeccable form throughout the group stage, securing top spot in Group A with a flawless record. Under Lionel Scaloni's management, Argentina won all three of their group matches without conceding a single goal, showcasing their defensive solidity and second-half goal-scoring prowess. 

Their attacking force, combined with a robust defense, has kept them undefeated in Copa America matches since their 2019 semi-final loss to Brazil. The Albiceleste's recent form is impressive, boasting eight consecutive wins across all competitions, with only two goals conceded during this streak. Historically, Argentina has been dominant in Copa America quarter-finals, winning their last three such encounters by a combined score of 9-1. Notably, they have lost only one quarter-final match this century, which occurred in 2011 against Uruguay on penalties. Argentina has never lost to Ecuador in Copa America, further underscoring their favored status for this match.

Ecuador, on the other hand, have shown resilience and determination to reach this stage. They secured their place in the knockout rounds by finishing second in Group B, managing a crucial 0-0 draw against Mexico in their final group match. 

This result allowed them to advance on goal difference, demonstrating their defensive capabilities. Ecuador has yet to concede a first-half goal in this tournament, although their offensive output has been modest, with only one goal scored in the first half of their matches. 

Historically, Ecuador has struggled in Copa America quarter-finals, having been eliminated at this stage in their last three appearances. The last time they reached the semi-finals was in 1993, highlighting the challenge they face against a formidable Argentine side. Despite these challenges, Ecuador has shown they can be competitive, and Felix Sanchez will aim to guide his team to a historic semi-final berth. Their last victory against Argentina came in 2015, which adds an extra layer of motivation for La Tri as they seek to defy the odds and achieve a landmark win in Houston.