Ecuador vs. Argentina: Score and Reaction from 2018 World Cup Qualifier

In improbable fashion, Ecuador defeated Argentina 2-0 on Thursday night in each side's first match of South American qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Two goals in the span of two minutes from Frickson Erazo and Felipe Caicedo throttled the underdogs to victory. It was the first time in the team's history that it defeated Argentina in Argentina.

The hosts were without star Lionel Messi, who is recovering from a knee injury that he suffered during La Liga play with Barcelona against Las Palmas toward the end of September. He is expected to return in another four to five weeks.

Instead, striker Sergio Aguero wore Messi's No. 10 shirt as the team's main attacking threat. He didn't last long, though. In the 19th minute, Aguero was carted off after suffering a leg injury. Chasing a long ball, Aguero appeared to pull up lame while grasping at his hamstring. He immediately called for medical assistance. 

TyC Sports showed the replay of Aguero's injury:

Carlos Tevez came on for Aguero, which wasn't necessarily a good thing, according to Sam Kelly of HastaElGolSiempre.com:

But it was all Argentina had as Tevez and Angel Correa led an Argentina side up top that was dominating possession against the Ecuadorians. Despite bossing 67 percent of play, once Aguero left the match, Argentina could muster only three shots on target after the No. 10 had two in 19 minutes.

Ecuador was fearless against the No. 1-ranked side in the world, holding firm and absorbing initial Argentine pressure. It even managed to find a few chances despite being outplayed early. The Ecuadorians just could not find a way to get one of those shots on target.

Miller Bolanos had one of the first half's best chances in the 38th minute, but his attempt was the perfect way to sum up Ecuador's first 45 minutes, per beIn Sports Espanol:

The match finally picked up in the 67th minute, when Argentina had a pair of chances saved. Ecuador, on the counter, came back and forced Sergio Romero into his first action of the night. 

Then came the Ecuadorian explosion.

In the 81st minute, Erazo opened the scoring to shock the Argentines. Off a corner, the ball bounced once in front of Romero's goal before Erazo headed home the opener.

BeIn Sports USA showed the goal:

Just a minute later, Caicedo doubled Ecuador's lead, sending in a cross from a streaking Antonio Valencia. 

BeIn Sports USA shared the replay:

For Argentina, it has to be alarming to have conceded two goals in such quick succession. Without the finishing abilities of Messi and Aguero, the World Cup runner-up showed that it couldn't find the right combination to break down an Ecuadorian side that is ranked 31st in the world. 

If Aguero and Messi had been afforded some of the chances that the other Argentine players came across during this match, however, it could have been a different result. 

But it's a dream start for Ecuador, which is looking to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time and fourth time ever. Getting a win against one of the best teams in the world should give it the confidence to believe it can beat anyone. 

Stats courtesy of ESPN.com.