Ecuador vs Curacao Predictions

• Ecuador have to win after defeat to Ivory Coast
• Ecuador probably need a convincing win to stand a realistic chance of progress
• Curacao were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in their opener

Ecuador need to run riot

Ecuador conceded a damaging late goal in their World Cup opener against Ivory Coast as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat and need to beat minnows Curacao convincingly if they are to stand a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages.

The South American nation take on Germany in the final round of group games and won’t want to go into that fixture needing a result, as a big win over the Blue Wave might be enough to qualify as one of the best third placed sides if they cannot overhaul the Germans or Ivory Coast.

La Tri need to alter their approach against Curacao as they are very much a defensively minded team. Ecuador’s formidable backline was their main strength in South American qualifying and one of the reasons why they were expected to make an impact this summer in some quarters but they know they need a few goals against Curcacao so over 2.5 Ecuador goals looks a good option.

Curacao were thumped 7-1 by Germany in their opener after Zurich midfielder Livano Comenencia had cancelled out an early Die Manschaaft opener midway through the first half. They’ve now shipped at least four goals in three of their last four games, including give against Australia and four against Scotland.

Ecuador rarely score heavily as they’ve only scored more than twice in two of their last 23 games but the circumstances here mean they have to keep hunting for goals even if they are one or two ahead so over 2.5 goals for Ecuador looks a good angle.

A 4-1 Ecuador win is the correct score pick as Curacao did manage to strike against Germany and they also struck in their defeats to the Tartan Army and the Socceroos, and they should be able to at least create a few chances as Ecuador throw men forward.

Flamengo’s Gonzalo Plata put in a reasonable display for Ecuador against Ivory Coast and he did at least force a save. Plata should get more chances against Curacao and he can open his account for the tournament this weekend.