Spain vs. Ecuador: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Two international teams looking to lock up spots in the 2014 World Cup will get an extra tune-up as Spain takes on Ecuador in a friendly.

Spain is well on its way toward defending its 2010 World Cup by leading its qualifying group with only a few matches remaining. Unfortunately, it will not be easy to clinch a spot in Brazil with France lurking close behind.

Still, the elite squad remains a favorite to win the entire tournament once again.

On the other hand, Ecuador should be excited just to qualify after missing the event last time around. Fortunately, the team is in good shape as the third-place team out of nine competing in CONMEBOL.

These two squads will look to continue their strong play at the next round of qualifying on September 6. Before that, however, they will battle each other in what should be a competitive international friendly.

Here is a guide for what to watch in the upcoming contest.

When: Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. BST

Where: Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito, Ecuador

TV: beIN Sport en Español

Live Stream: beIN Sport Play

Spain Player to Watch: Thiago Alcantara

Most of the starting squad has little to prove, so this will be a chance for Spain to see what it has in some younger players.

One of those men is Thiago Alcantara, who moved from Barcelona to Bayern Munich this summer as he looks to get playing time ahead of the World Cup. This match will be a good chance to impress his national team coach first hand, as he is certain to get onto the pitch at some point.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been excellent on youth teams, showcasing skill on both ends of the pitch that fit right in line with the standard Spain has set over the past few years. 

With a strong performance in this match, Thiago can clinch a spot on the World Cup roster and attempt to earn a place on the first team. 

Ecuador Player to Watch: Felipe Caicedo

This is the first match for Ecuador since the tragic death of Christian Benitez. The squad not only needs to get over the emotional loss, but he must be replaced on the attack as well. 

Both Jefferson Montero and Antonio Valencia are out for this match, which leaves Felipe Caicedo as one of few people who can contribute offensively.

The forward has come through for his side both as a starter and off the bench in qualifying. He has great finishing ability around the net with the skill to create for himself as well.

Spain will have to key on him on defense to make sure they keep Ecuador off the scoresheet.

Prediction: Spain 2, Ecuador 1

Even if Spain keeps out the likes of Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and others, there is plenty of depth on the roster to beat virtually any team in the world.

This will be a chance for casual fans to see the future of Spanish football. In reality, it is likely the country will be dominating the sport for many years to come.

Ecuador has enough talent to earn a goal on a counter-attack, but it is unlikely the squad does enough to pull off the upset.

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