Ecuador needs to improve its position atop the CONMEBOL standings. Peru needs to break into the top five in the standings. Both teams will get a chance to accomplish their respective goals when they meet in Friday in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
The Ecuadorians are coming off an embarrassing 4-2 loss against an undermanned German side. The Ecuadorians not only gave up a goal 10 seconds into the game, but also conceded four times in 23 minutes. After the loss, many questioned whether the squad would be able to compete with top end competition; they will look to at least regain some respect against a weak Peruvian side. It has been over a year since the team has lost in the World Cup qualifiers; they fell 4-0 against an elite Argentina side.
With 20 points, Ecuador is in second place in the standings. However, Colombia is only one point behind and Chile and Venezuela are just five points away from second place. The Ecuadorians will look to add more distance with a win over Peru.
The Peruvians currently have 11 points in 10 games and are just four points behind fourth place Chile and fifth place Venezuela. The top four squads in the CONMEBOL automatically book a spot in the World Cup finals next summer while the fifth place side competes with the AFC's fifth place team for a chance to be among the final 32 squads. They have only lost once in their last five matches since a 4-2 defeat against Uruguay on June 10, 2012.
Prediction: Ecuador has been terrific in this tournament and will continue its tremendous play with a 3-1 victory in Peru.
Start Time: 10:10 PM EST
TV: beinSport Play