Tecatito Corona (#7) (Photo : Reuters)
Mexico and Ecuador will battle for a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Copa America. The teams' Group A matchup will be held at the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile on Friday, June 19.
Mexico is coming off two straight draws against Bolivia and host Chile. While Miguel Herrera's wards were goalless against El Verde, they were involved in a wild 6-goal draw with tournament favorite Chile. After two rounds, the team has two points under its name, enough for third place in Group A.
Meanwhile, Ecuador is also struggling in the tournament after consecutive defeats in the hands of Chile and Bolivia. Los Amarillos were blanked by La Roja and then lost a thrilling 2-3 match against Bolivia. Enner Valencia and Miller Bolaños put two points on the board for Ecuador but lost steam in the closing minutes, as per Bleacher Report. They have yet to score a point in the overall standings.
In the match, El Tri is expected to again implement their eccentric 3-5-2 formation, as reported by SB Nation. Tecatito Corona benefits the most from this strategy as he can shift from midfielder to winger at his own whim. This gives him a lot of freedom and chances to score against the conventional Ecuador defense.
The prediction is Mexico over Ecuador, 2-1. Valencia or Bolaños may score at least one goal, but the Tecatito will still prevail.
Mexico starting lineup (3-5-2 formation): Corona; Marquez, Dominguez, Ayala; Velarde, Medina, Montes, Fabián, Tecatito; Herrera, Jimenez
Ecuador starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Dominguez; Paredes, Achilier, Erazo, Ayovi; Noboa, Ibarra, Lastra, Montero; Bolaños, Valencia
