Ecuador is one of the teams on the rise in the CONMEBOL. Since a 4-0 loss to Argentina, the squad has won 3 and tied one. They defeated Colombia, Bolivia, and Chile, while only drawing with Uruguay. That is a rather impressive collection of teams to have a winning streak against.
With that streak they now have 16 points and will remain in the top three no matter what happens on Tuesday. Their opponent also profited from Friday's matches. Chile and Uruguay both had a game in hand on Venezuela and an opportunity to extend their lead over them. But both teams suffered devastating losses and remain just one point ahead of Venezuela. With Uruguay headed to Bolivia (where altitude could create problems for them) and Chile heading to play the unstoppable Argentinians, Venezuela has a prime opportunity to jump over both squads into a qualifying position.
Venezuela lost to Ecuador in the first match day of qualifications. A lot has happened since including a 1-0 win over Argentina and an equally impressive 2-0 win over Paraguay last month. But they will need to calm a confident Ecuadorian attack that includes the likes of Felipe Caicedo who has 4 goals in eight qualifying matches.
This is the first time that both of these squads have a chance at the World Cup and they will both be playing to keep those hopes alive as the second half of the qualifying stage gets underway.
Start Time: 6 p.m. EDT
Prediction: Ecuador should win this, but Venezuela will be hungry for a win in front of their fans. 2-2 draw.