Argentina vs. Ecuador: 6 Things We Learned
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—Argentina and Ecuador both had some excellent chances but played to a disappointing 0-0 draw in front of 49,516 spectators at MetLife Stadium.
Ecuador started much stronger, absorbing what little pressure the Argentines put on them extremely well and blowing past them on the counterattack. A Jefferson Montero cross in the first half was headed into the post when Argentina's goalkeeper was stranded.
Argentina responded well during the second half, but they were repeatedly thwarted by some scrappy Ecuadorian defending. Despite the introductions of Sergio Aguero, Maxi Rodriguez and Pablo Zabaleta, among others, they could not break through.
Here are six things we learned from the friendly.
Ecuador Deserve Their World Cup Spot
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One would expect that tiny Ecuador, ranked 22nd in FIFA's national team rankings, would be obviously inferior to mighty Argentina, ranked third—even without Lionel Messi.
Yet for much of the match, Ecuador was obviously the superior side, and they clearly deserve their spot in the World Cup.
They kept their defensive shape remarkably well, repeatedly denying chances to an Argentina team featuring Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain, Ever Banega and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
On multiple occasions, Ecuador eviscerated Argentina's defense through the counterattack and could have netted multiple goals within the first half-hour if they had not wasted a few excellent chances.
The Ecuadorians should not be underestimated in Brazil.
Missing Messi
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Argentina's sterility in the attacking third might simply have been a function of the fact that the match was a friendly, and many of the team's stars are in the meat of a strenuous club season.
Still, it is hard not to associate some of their failure to produce with the absence of talisman and captain Lionel Messi.
No one seemed to want to drive forward and through Ecuador's defense. When Ecuador put up fierce resistance at the back, talented players like Ever Banega and Gonzalo Higuain simply pushed the ball out wide, where Argentina often lost possession.
Messi would have alleviated that problem by giving Argentina a consistent attacking outlet and focal point. Barcelona can cope better than the Argentines can.
Keep an Eye on Jefferson Montero
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No player stood out for an impressive Ecuador side as much as Jefferson Montero.
He left Fernando Roncaglia in the dust on several occasions and was Ecuador's most potent attacking threat throughout the match.
Montero used his searing pace to retrieve passes that looked destined to go out of play. Every one of his crosses put a major strain on Argentina's defense, and one produced an open-goal header that was inexcusably missed.
He will be a vital weapon for Ecuador at the World Cup, and European sides would be wise to monitor his progress at Mexican club Monarcas Morelia.
Angel Di Maria Proved His Worth
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When Argentina were desperate for an attacking spark in the second half, Angel Di Maria provided it.
The combination of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid has marginalized Di Maria somewhat, but he shined when given a chance for his country.
Deployed on the right wing, he whipped in cross after cross and free-kick after free-kick, often slicing inside to rip a curling shot. Alexander Dominguez, Ecuador's goalkeeper, was troubled many times.
Even if Carlo Ancelotti keeps him on the sidelines at Madrid, Di Maria will probably get his chance in Brazil.
Ecuador Can Play Jogo Bonito
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Ecuador seemed determined to thrash Argentina from the opening whistle. Somewhat surprisingly, they genuinely appeared to possess the quality to do so.
They had to contend with Argentina's midfield of Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega, Ricardo Alvarez and Angel Di Maria but still managed to clinically zip the ball around and intelligently move with each other.
It's the type of play that allows a small nation to challenge a footballing superpower like Argentina.
And it's what Ecuador will have to master to advance at next year's World Cup.
Chances Must Be Taken
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Argentina registered just one shot on goal in the first half and eight in the second half. Ecuador had three in the first half and none in the second half.
Yet, while both sides had some excellent opportunities, all went begging and the result was a stalemate.
Any of these opportunities would have won the game, and a few really should have been taken by players at this level. Ecuador missed a free header in front of an open goal in the first half, and Maxi Rodriguez rattled the post as the game clock ticked toward 90 minutes.
Lionel Messi could have made a difference for Argentina, but they now know the superstar cannot always be relied upon. "I feel that when Messi's not there ... everyone's going to feel that," Alejandro Sabella, Argentina's manager, said after the match.
A draw was probably a just result. Sabella needs to evaluate his tactics, but Reinaldo Rueda should keep Ecuador on the same track.
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