Ivory Coast vs Ecuador Predictions

• Ivory Coast have never previously made it out of the group stage
• Ecuador have drawn nine of their last 13 matches
• All of Ecuador’s last nine stalemates featured fewer than three goals

Group E rivals seek insurance point

Group E could provide three teams for the knockout stages if they all beat Curacao, but Ivory Coast and Ecuador will want the extra insurance that a point in their opening game may deliver.

Ecuador are the draw specialists anyway entering this World Cup after nine of their last 13 matches finished all square to help extend a 19-game unbeaten streak. Sebastián Beccacece took over La Tri’s head coach role shortly after the Copa America two years ago and he has built a squad that now believes they can go into battle against anyone.

A lack of discipline has cost them dearly in the past but the squad has matured in the past couple of years and those problems seem to be behind them. This should be a physical clash against an Ivory Coast side that don’t back down and pose significant threats out wide and on the counter attack.

Goalless game could be on cards

Ecuador should look to control the game and pick their moments to push the full backs forward, but it takes two teams to produce an entertaining spectacle on this stage and neither may be in the mood to risk much.

The Elephants, who stunned France in a recent warm-up, have never previously made it out of the group stage and would probably settle for a draw, taking their chances against Germany while feeling confident of beating the group minnows.

Ecuador scored only 14 goals in 18 qualifiers and, although that was good enough for second place in South America, it does not augur well for them lighting up the upcoming tournament. Back a draw with fewer than three goals for this fixture with the 0-0 correct score looking to have real potential.