International break: 11 must watch matches from World Cup qualifiers
By Thuya Kyaw
5. Ecuador vs Chile
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers are always very hard to predict and a strong proof of that would be defending Copa America champions Chile at 7th place currently, which wouldn’t qualify them for Russia. Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men need to wake up quickly as they have lost three times in their last six qualifiers, while drawing two.
Ecuador, in 5th place, are also in similar position. After starting out strongly, they have lost three of their last four games. Worrying signs are there for both teams and a win will be very crucial.
This match will be played in Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito and is located at an elevation of 9,127 feet, giving an advantage to the home team. Ecuador will have all their starters healthy and ready to go but Chile has some injury issues and likes of Gary Medel, Matias Fernandez, Mauricio Pinilla, and Fabian Orellana will not be involved in this game. Nonetheless, it should be a cracker of a match and something that can’t be missed.