On Monday night, Bolivia beat Ecuador 3-2 in an absolutely wild game to give themselves a legitimate chance of qualifying from the group. At the start of the tournament it seemed unlikely they would even get a point, yet now all they need is a result in their final group game against Chile (admittedly easier said than done) and they will almost certainly make it to the quarter finals. As for Ecuador, they now need to beat Mexico and hope a lot of other results go their way to even have a chance of qualifying as one of the best third place teams.
The game started with two quick goals for Bolivia from captain Ronald Raldes from a corner in the 5th minute, then Martin Smedberg-Dalence scored a curling effort from distance eight minutes later. With a reasonably comfortable lead now under their belts, Bolivia sat back for the remainder of the half, until a late Marcelo Moreno penalty stretched their lead to a near insurmountable margin. At half time, Ecuador made two attacking substitutions, bringing on winger Renato Ibarra and attacking midfielder Juan Ramon Cazares.
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The changed appeared to work as Enner Valencia made it 3-1 within three minutes of the restart; however, from that point on Ecuador toiled without creating too many clear cut chances, and when they did they were foiled by goalkeeper Romel Quinonez. A late goal from Miller Bolanos gave them hope and a crunching strike from Christian Noboa in the dying minutes almost sealed an unlikely comeback, only see the shot clatter off the crossbar to signal an end to the frenetic contest, and most likely to Ecuador’s Copa campaign as well. Here are three takeaways from the game:
Ecuador in need of modernisation: Having come into The Copa looking like favourites to finish second in the group, this can be taken as nothing but a disappointment for Ecuador, and could be the end of manager Gustavo Quinteros. Here they were somewhat unlucky; hitting the woodwork, having to retake a penalty that was then saved and coming up against a magnificent goalkeeper display from Quinonez.
Yet overall, this is a talented team (particularly going forward) that appears stunted by outdated tactics and consigned to roles that stifle any kind of fluidity or inspiration. It also puts too much stress on one of the team’s weakest areas, central midfield; while also meaning there isn’t a place in the team for talents like Cazares.
Can Bolivia be Copa’s Costa Rica: They have given themselves a fantastic chance of qualifying for the quarter finals, and will regardless of their result against Chile if Ecuador beat Mexico. Their path to success in this seemed to be through solid defence led by Raldes and Moreno providing goals and assists at crucial times; and for the most part they have followed that plan, intertwined with some moments of quality from Smedberg-Dalence and great saves from Quinonez.
In the quarter-final (assuming they get there, which still isn’t guaranteed by any means) they will likely face Colombia, a challenge akin to what they are likely to face against Chile. That game could divine whether they are genuine dark horses or just a flash in the plan; either way they have already exceeded expectations.
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Marcelo Moreno continues to tantalise: At just 27 years-old Moreno has already played for eight clubs (including Cruzeiro twice) in five different countries and hasn’t stayed anywhere for more than three seasons since his first professional club; Vitoria. At one time he was described by some as the South-American Berbatov and while I’m never really a fan of such overly simplistic monikers, it’s a decent introduction to the player, in both a positive and negative sense.
His link up play, technique and composure are all excellent; with his at times eye-catching hold up play proving vital in a team that doesn’t have the talent to dominate the ball in midfield areas. He has been impressive in both games, though he continues to flash greater potential even at his age. It has been a conundrum that has surrounded his career, leading him most recently to China, though if his national team is to continue to be competitive in this tournament, the most talented (and mercurial) Bolivian of his generation has to keep producing.