Kick-off: 0200, 04/07/2021
Stadium: Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico
TV: BBC Digital
Argentina look determined to end a 28-year wait for Copa America glory and are expected to ease past Ecuador in the quarter-finals.
La Albiceleste impressed as convincing Group A victors, whereas La Tri just about managed to scrape through Group B in fourth place.
The favourites have been fast starters so far and 23/20 for them to lead at half-time and full-time is our first Argentina vs Ecuador prediction.
A Look At Argentina’s Betting Odds
Argentina last tasted defeat in the semi-finals of this competition two years ago, when beaten by hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte.
Since then, they have embarked on a 17-match unbeaten run, including a couple of victories over their next opponents.
La Albiceleste began this tournament with a workmanlike 1-1 draw against Chile before edging out Uruguay and Paraguay 1-0.
Lionel Scaloni’s side could have been forgiven for taking things easy in their closing pool match versus Bolivia but instead powered to a 4-1 triumph.
Papu Gomez got the ball rolling with a sixth-minute strike before Lionel Messi bagged a brace and Lautaro Martinez completed the rout.
What that performance tells us is that Argentina are enjoying themselves at present and that makes them even more dangerous than when showing signs of feeling the pressure.
Messi was the top outright scorer during the group stage with three goals and netted from the penalty spot in a 1-0 World Cup win over Ecuador in October.
The Barcelona superstar may not be an original tip to score first but it is hard to ignore a bwin price boost of 3/1 for him to break the deadlock from the Argentina vs Ecuador odds.
A Look At Ecuador’s Betting Odds
Ecuador made it past the group stage for only the second time in nine renewals and may now find themselves in above their heads.
They kicked off with a 1-0 loss to Colombia before battling for a hat-trick of draws.
Ayrton Preciado hit the target in both 2-2 stalemates with Venezuela and Peru and everything went right in the final round of fixtures.
Angel Mena helped La Tri to hold a much-changed Brazil side to a 1-1 draw while Peru shaded Venezuela to leave La Vinotinto at the foot of the table and heading home.
Former West Ham and Everton forward Enner Valencia is a familiar face and 36-year-old midfielder Christian Noboa has had a cracking career with some of Russia’s biggest clubs.
Head coach Gustavo Alfaro will no doubt set up his team to defend but it will be a surprise if they can keep out such illustrious and in-form opponents.
Let’s finish off our Argentina vs Ecuador betting tips by taking 16/5 for La Albiceleste to oblige by any two-goal margin.
Additional stats
Last result:
Bolivia 1-4 ARGENTINA – Gomez, Messi (2), Martinez
Brazil 1-1 ECUADOR – Mena
Head-to-head: Argentina 1-0 Ecuador, Argentina 6-1 Ecuador, Ecuador 1-3 Argentina, Argentina 0-2 Ecuador
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