Ecuador and Senegal clash at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday, with only one of these teams likely to advance to the knockout rounds. While Senegal need all three points in this Group A matchup, Ecuador need just one in order to progress.
To Win Match
Ecuador 14/10 | Draw 22/10 | Senegal 43/20
The South Americans are second in Group A and only need one point to confirm a major accomplishment in their history. They have never progressed further than the Round of 16 in the competition, and now find themselves with a real shot of a good run.
Ecuador certainly proved their character against the Netherlands on Friday when they fought back to salvage a crucial point after falling behind from an early Cody Gakpo goal. This was arguably their best display at the world cup.
But the fact that their talisman has question marks hanging over his fitness means that this game won’t be as straightforward as Ecuador might think. Enner Valencia has scored three goals for La Tri in just two matches, including a first-half brace against the hosts, Qatar on day one.
Much like their opponents who are missing the African Player of the Year in Sadio Mane, Ecuador will also be short on cutting edge in the final third if indeed Valencia is to miss out.
If Ecuador reach the hour mark with the scores tied, chances are they will likely look for defensive substitutions to grind out the result, as opposed to pushing too hard for the win.
Senegal kept their chances of advancing from Group A alive when they did the job against Qatar on Friday. Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, and Bamba Dieng all got on target in a dominant 3-1 win over the host nation.
However, the Lions of Teranga will have to ensure that they produce a positive result against Ecuador, especially with the Netherlands expected to beat Qatar in their final group game kicking off simultaneously at the Al Bayt Stadium.
In their game against the Netherlands, Senegal did everything except find the back of the net and were punished by the Dutchmen, who scored twice in the last ten minutes.
Their determination and resilience were were there for all to see when they played Qatar and collected all three points. Despite the poor showing from the hosts, Senegal delivered as they should have.
But with Mane out injured, the Senegalese have been exposed for their slow attacks and build-ups. While they recorded 15 shots at goal against the Netherlands in their group opener, it took them more than 40 minutes to break down a desperate Qatar defence on Friday.
In fact, the Lions of Teranga could easily have been trailing before halftime if the host nation hadn’t been denied a strong penalty appeal.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals 6/10
A draw would certainly suit Ecuador more in this one, and I cannot see Senegal getting anything more than that out of this game, especially without the injured Sadio Mane. Under 2.5 goals looks a pretty safe bet.
