The final game of the FIFA international window saw Ecuador face New Zealand at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Both teams wanted to end the year on a high note and continue their preparations for the World Cup next summer. Nevertheless, it was Ecuador who arrived with more than a point to prove, given their ongoing struggles in their recent fixtures.

Mission accomplished

Following the draw against Canada, the overall feeling around the team raised more questions than answers. With the team unable to score against a Canadian side that played with 10 men practically throughout the whole match, many suggested that Becacece might not be the man to lead this Ecuadorian squad in the World Cup. 

A win against New Zealand could keep the critics away and leave room for the coaching staff to continue working with this group of players. It would also allow them to secure their place in pot 2 ahead of the World Cup draw in December. Two decisive factors that, without any noise, would be decisive for Ecuador’s immediate future.

One of the main focus points in this match was the attacking line. Enner Valencia was released from the National team after the game against Canada. This gave way for Leonardo Campana the opportunity to showcase himself as the frontman for the national team. The striker has been under constant pressure to perform since the attacking choices in the roster are not expanding.

This november window saw both Piero Hincapie and Moises Caicedo return to action with the national team. They both saw action against New Zealand but it was hincapie who stood out the most. His involvement in the attack build up saw him position higher up the field. But I must also highlight that New Zealand took a more defensive approach, allowing Ecuador to have more possession. Ecuador centered their attack on the wings, having John Yeboah, Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata all create the attacking plays in that area of the field.

The gray area? No finishing on the final third. While the team does have a good passing flow and Nilson Angulo show promise, nobody attempts any long distance shots. They rather keep trying to break the defensive line with quick passes or just backtrack the play to midfield and attempt to build up from the wings. 

This didint allow Campana to see much of the ball throughout the game. But he did in fact had a few plays where he just didint finish properly. Unfortunately, he will get critisized because of those missed opportunities rather than the goal he scored. Nevertheless, it was a good game in general lines. There was improvement from the game against Canada but the finishing part continues to be one of the main issues of this ecuadorian team.

Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata combined to open the score against New Zealand. Should things go according to plan, thats the duo that we could see at the world cup. While Moises Caicedo didint have a standout game his class is there, its just a matter of consistency in his case. Defensively things are covered, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie and Hernan Galindez are more than solid for the team. The only concern would be if something happens to Galindez. The backup options are not reliable and the team is still looking for that second option.

Becacece and Bazeley confident in the road ahead

The Ecuador manager had nothing but praise for the performance. However, he didi emphasize on the team chemistry that is building up inside the team. From unity to tactical understanding, evrything seems to be coming together as each game goes by. While it was only a friendly, he praised the support and the atmosphere that the fans brought to Sports Illustrated Stadium. He highlighted how much he takes into account how meaningful it is for every fan that comes out to support the team.

In terms of the upcoming fixture in March, nothing was confirmed. The biggest issue however, is getting the clubs to agree and release the players for those games. It was teased that the game could be played in Europe, but the manager didint signal any possibility of that happening.

Manager Darren Bazeley and New Zealand praised the experience from Ecuador but highlighted the fact that they are also a young squad just like New Zealand. Bazeley was happy with what he saw from the team these last friendlies but highlighted that thse are learning opportunities. “This is like the World Cup, but its not the World Cup just yet, thats were you want to see good results take place”. He also highlighted the fact that their preparation process had begun earlier than for most nations that began their qualifying process. Therefore the demand was to play top nations from the start.

Nevertheless both teams will be looking to make the necessary adjustments ahead of the upcoming international window in March. For Ecuador the biggest issue is to find a successor/ attacking parner for Enner Valencia. New Zealand in the other hand, must adapt and continue to build their style ahead of their return to a World Cup tournament 6 years later.