Ecuador vs Senegal, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Ecuador vs Senegal Match Prediction & Analysis

As a result of being drawn in Group A, Ecuador and Senegal, alongside the Netherlands and Qatar, have the honour of being among the first teams to progress to the Round of 16.

It’s a finely balanced group, to say the least. Aside from Qatar, who have been eliminated after defeats in their opening two games, all three teams can qualify. The focus is largely on this game, however.

Netherlands are heavy favourites to claim three points from their game against the dismal Qataris, leaving them on seven points. 

Should Ecuador win here, they’ll finish on seven too, although possibly behind the Netherlands on goal difference. That would leave Senegal on three points and going home.

If Senegal should win, however, they’ll go through in Ecuador’s place. A draw is unlikely to be enough for the African nation, although it’ll suit the South Americans just fine.

There is a great deal at stake here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ecuador Preview

FIFA Ranking: 44

Predicted Finish: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Only need a draw to head through to the Round of 16

     Played well as they held the Netherlands to a draw

Reasons to be fearful:

     Enner Valencia is a major doubt after being carried off

     May be caught between going for the win and not wanting to lose

The situation is finely balanced for Ecuador heading into their final game.

They know that they will progress if they do not lose to Senegal, although that can lead to confusion of how to approach this game. 

Do they play with the freedom of their previous two games, or do they tighten up and prevent Senegal from winning?

Either can be dangerous strategies and whatever they choose, if it goes wrong they will be criticised for it. If it goes right, they will be applauded. The likelihood is that they will continue in the same way as before.

Unfortunately for them, Enner Valencia is unlikely to be available here, having been stretchered off the pitch against the Netherlands. No one else has scored for Ecuador so far at this World Cup.

Star Man – Moses Caicedo

Whether Enner Valencia is fit or not, this battle will be won in the middle of the pitch. This could be a tense midfield battle and Caicedo has the drive and quality to control the game when on top of his game.

Senegal Preview

FIFA Ranking: 18

Predicted Finish: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful

     Will have taken confidence from thrashing Qatar

     Have the tools to get past Ecuador when at their best

Reasons to be fearful

     Nothing less than victory will be enough

     Can they handle Ecuador’s power through the middle?

For Senegal, the task facing them is clear – they must this game at all costs. 

Although theoretically a draw may be enough if Qatar thrash the Netherlands, that outcome is virtually impossible. Senegal must set themselves up to beat Ecuador and take their place in the Round of 16.

The main issue facing Senegal coming into this tournament was the loss of Sadio Mane upfront, with the Bayern Munich striker missing out through injury.

Strikers Dia and Diedhiou both scored against Qatar and the expectation will be on them once again here. They may have a slightly easier time at the back with the absence of Enner Valencia potentially out for Ecuador.

They must keep things tight at the back, however. It won’t do them any good to chase a winner and leave the door open in defence.

Star Man – Boulaye Dia

Dia opened the scoring for Senegal in their win over Qatar but will have his work cut out for him again here. Will be a national hero if he can score the winner to take his country through to the knockout stages.