Ecuador Vs Paraguay

Ecuador aims to maintain their strong performance in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign as they host Paraguay in Quito this Thursday.

Despite receiving a three-point deduction due to documentation issues in the previous qualifying cycle, Ecuador currently sits above teams like Brazil, holding one of the six automatic qualifying spots.

It could be argued that both teams have produced the least exciting matches in South American qualifying thus far, but that won’t matter much if they secure their spots in the World Cup.

Paraguay's statistics are particularly striking; they have scored only two goals while conceding three in their eight matches, with seven of those games ending in either a 0-0 or 1-0 scoreline.

Ecuador’s matches have also been tightly contested, with every game resulting in either a draw or a one-goal margin. They have recorded two goalless draws and four 1-0 victories, putting them in a strong position with eight matches played, despite starting the qualifying phase with a three-point penalty.

Without that penalty, Ecuador would have 14 points, only four behind leaders Argentina, after narrowly defeating Peru 1-0 last month.

Sebastian Beccacece’s squad experienced a setback with a loss in Brazil a few days earlier, but they still sit above the Selecao, thanks to the results from matchday eight. The race is tight, with just two points separating five teams in the final qualifying spots.

The defeat in Brazil was only Ecuador’s second in qualifying, the other being against Argentina, so losing to two of the world’s toughest teams is not a significant setback. If they can maintain their resilience, they are on track to qualify for their fifth World Cup in seven attempts.

In contrast, Paraguay capitalized on Brazil's struggles, defeating them 1-0 shortly after, which has revitalized their qualification hopes.

Gustavo Alfaro’s team is currently in the seventh playoff position, with only two points separating them from potential elimination. Paraguay will be eager to avoid that fate, but qualifying under their current playing style would be a remarkable achievement.

No team in CONMEBOL qualifying has a poorer attack or a stronger defense than Paraguay, with both of their wins coming by a 1-0 scoreline against Brazil and Bolivia.

Visitors to Quito should prepare for a challenging encounter, as Paraguay's last two away matches in qualifying ended in goalless draws. Given the importance of every point, Alfaro has little reason to alter his strategy.

Paraguay's Copa America results highlight their struggles, having scored in all three group matches only to lose each one and be eliminated.