Latest News:Ecuador vs Venezuela live updates: 2024 Copa America match team news, predictions and line-ups

Ecuador are a side that can attack effectively in transition. Against the top teams in South America, Ecuador has no problem sitting in a low block and defending with numbers. During a 1-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Argentina in September, they closed down space quickly and frustrated Lionel Messi with well-timed tackles and disciplined defending.

Messi scored the winner in the 77th minute from a direct free kick. He also exited the match with a minor muscle injury.

“We played against a great team, with good players who are physically strong,” said Messi after that match.

Ecuador can defend but they also have a legitimate goal-scoring No 9 in Enner Valencia. The former West Ham United striker is Ecuador’s all-time top scorer, and he’s still a match-winner at the age of 34. Ecuador also boasts flair players such as Chelsea’s teenage signing Kendry Paez, and ball-playing defenders such as Piero Hincapie, Bayer Leverkusen’s well-rounded left-footed center-back who featured for the undefeated Bundesliga champions.