Both Mexico and Ecuador are fighting for a spot in the quarterfinals in Group A of the Copa America 2015 tournament on Friday afternoon. Live stream of the match can be watched below.
According to Tom Marshall of ESPN FC, Mexico head coach Miguel Herrera indicated that his team will play against Ecuador with a similar strategy used against Chile. Mexico scored a 3-3 tie with Chile on Monday.
"The team was much better, it didn't lower its guard or stop fighting," Herrera said. "We've spoken about it since the squad got together and we showed our attitude. The result can go with or against you, but you can't give in; the team is clear on that."
Marshall elaborated on the strategy Herrera used against Chile to end the game with a tie.
"Mexico's players weren't running around like headless chickens searching for the ball," Marshall wrote. "Instead, the team pressed as a pack as Chile played the ball out, fighting for each second ball with intensity and making sure the opposition was not comfortable in possession at any point of the game or place on the field."
According to Marshall, Mexico has two points as they face off against Ecuador. ESPN FC looked at how the team could move forward to the quarterfinal.
"A win and Mexico will definitely be through to the quarterfinal (because goals scored would be superior to that of Bolivia if it ties Chile), while a draw may be enough, depending on results in Group C," Marshall wrote.
As for Ecuador, Liam Apicella of SportsMole reported that the team had not won a Copa America game in 14 years. The team has only advanced beyond the group stages twice in the last 11 editions.
"Even with new boss Gustavo Quinteros at the helm, it has been the same negative form from Ecuador," Apicella wrote. "The 2-0 defeat to Chile in the tournament opener can perhaps be accepted, but losing 3-2 to Bolivia - a side ranked 58 places below them in the current FIFA rankings - will not have been well received back home."
According to Apicella, even a win against Mexico may not be enough to advance to the next round in the competition beyond the group stages.
"Regardless of the result that they achieve, it is an uncertain time for the Ecuador national side ahead of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup," Apicella wrote. "There have been disputes over squad bonuses in recent years and displays at this Copa will have done little to improve the mood."
As for predictions, Apicella thought that Mexico would beat Ecuador despite the fact they will have to do that without their captain, Rafael Marquez, who is sidelined with a thigh injury. Marshall thought that the key to victory for Mexico would involve "intensity."
"The three-day rest between games will come in handy," Marshall wrote. "If Mexico can match the work-rate it showed against Chile, an underwhelming Ecuador is unlikely to have a response.
The game between Mexico and Ecuador will begin streaming online at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT Friday on beIN Sports Connect and on Fubo TV.
