World Cup 2022: Peru And Ecuador Aim For Qatar

Peru vs Ecuador

Fourth meets third in the CONMEBOL World Cup 2022 qualifying group when Peru hosts Ecuador in a blockbuster clash at the Estadio Nacional on Tuesday.

The hosts have been coming up on the rails in the South American qualifiers in recent weeks and currently preside in the last automatic qualifying spot, four points behind their visitors and one ahead of Uruguay who are sitting uncomfortably in the play-off place. Peru beat Colombia 1-0 last time out while Ecuador earned a point in an action packed 1-1 draw with Brazil.

World Cup: Peru vs Ecuador is the most fascinating tie of this round, with three games left to play Ecuador could seal their place in the finals with a win, and a victory for the hosts would give them a real chance of progressing while making their visitors look nervously over their shoulders.

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Peru’s Strong Jaw

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The pre-match Peru vs Ecuador betting odds rate Los Incas as favourites for this clash, and little wonder given home advantage and recent form. They made it three victories on the bounce with their shock win against Uruguay when they showed they can take real punishment and stay in a game. With 30 shots to four the Uruguay team might wonder how they lost, but Peru limited them to just two shots on target in the 90 minutes, which meant Edinson Flores’ well taken 85^th minute effort took all three points in a classic smash and grab.

31-year-old keeper and skipper Pedro Gallese organised his defence superbly and they put their bodies on the line to protect their last line of defence. Head coach Ricardo Gareca was delighted, saying: “We know we depend on our efforts and this team has to fight in each final. We have another one on Tuesday and we are ready for that.” The last time Peru made the finals was in 1982 to Gareca will expect his team to battle all the way in this campaign.

Peru will have to fight Ecuador without top scorer Christian Cueva and Aldo Corzo, both suspended. So Celta Vigo midfielder Renato Tapia is likely to line up alongside DC United’s creative midfielder Flores, while Serie A fans might recognise Benevento striker Gianluca Lapadula.

Ecuador on the brink

Felix Torres aims to score his third World Cup 2022 qualifiers goal as Ecuador face Peru — Felix Torres celebrates after scoring Ecuador’s first goal against Brazil

We’re already looking forward to the World Cup finals in Qatar and Ecuador fans are at the dreaming stage after a 1-1 draw with Brazil cemented their third position and inched them closer to the finals. They could have had three points against Brazil had VAR not overturned two penalties awarded by the ref, but head coach Gustavo Alfaro can be proud of his players’ efforts. Felix Torres headed Ecuador’s equaliser after Casemiro gave the Selecao a lead. But a red card for keeper Alexander Dominguez and a yellow for talisman Enner Valencia means Ecuador will be without two of their most experienced players for the clash with Peru. Top scorer Michael Estrada will lead the line while Jorge Pinos is lined up to deputise in goal.

History

Peru have the more impressive history of the two teams; they are twice Copa America champions, the last time in 1975, and they have made the World Cup finals on five occasions.

Ecuador have reached the Copa America semi-finals on two occasions and have reached the World Cup finals three times.

Peru won the return fixture 2-1, but the most remarkable of all the Peru vs Ecuador results came over 80 years ago, way back in 1938 when the Incas recorded their biggest ever win, beating Ecuador 9-1 in Bogota, Columbia.

Both teams come into the game unbeaten in six, and the Incas are unbeaten in six at home.

Betting Tip

	Peru vs Ecuador	1X2 Draw @ 3.10
	February 2, 10:00 (GMT+8)

At prices of 2.21 and 3.02, Peru and Ecuador will both believe they can win this game, but los Incas need the points more as they are one of a number of teams chasing the last qualifying spot, and with Uruguay and Paraguay still to play they have three huge games to contend with. If the hosts can fashion a victory then that would drag Ecuador back into the melee; so the visitors would be happy with a draw, with Paraguay and Argentina still to play.

Both teams have key players missing particularly in attack, and while Peru’s defensive prowess was on show in their last outing they will have to be incisive in attack to break down Ecuador who will be set up to frustrate. I can see the two sides cancelling each other out and another 1-1 result for La Tri, at odds of 5.22, would be just the job for them.