Our prediction for this Copa America match:
High-flying Brazil will be aiming to extend their winning run at Copa America to four games when they take on Ecuador at Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico. The Selecao look unstoppable at the moment, and, no doubt, they are eager to keep their 100% record alive. Head coach Tite, though, could opt to rest several first-team regulars, with Gabriel Barbosa, Renan Lodi, and Everton pushing for a start. Felipe should be the only absentee in the home team.
Ecuador, on the other hand, are eyeing their first win of the process, but they will have a mountain to climb in Sunday’s showdown. Even though key attacker Enner Valencia returns from suspension, we are tempted to put our money on the Brazilians, who aim to go all the way at the Copa America finals. In their last meeting in a competitive match Brazil recorded a 2-0 win over Ecuador.
Highlighted Player (Neymar):
Neymar is a Brazilian football superstar who plays for PSG as a winger. The pacey footballer, who is capable of playing as a centre forward as well, is well known his creativity, passing and finishing. Neymar was born in Mogi das Cruzes on 5 February, 1992 and he began his senior career at Santos. After scoring 54 goals in 103 appearances for the Brazilian outfit, he joined Barcelona in 2013.
The Brazilian ace signed a five-year deal with the Catalan outfit and he has been playing for the La Liga giants ever since. Neymar the 2014/2015 Champions League trophy with Barcelona and that is considered his biggest success. It has to be noted that he clinched the FIFA Club World Cup trophy with Barca as well.
Speaking of his international career, the Barcelona star made his Brazil debut on 10 August, 2010 against USA and it has to be noted that he scored on his debut. In 2013 he won FIFA Confederations Cup with the Brazilian national team. Neymar was born on 5 February, 1992.
Highlighted Team (Ecuador):
Ecuador had endured difficult times in footballing terms having been considered to be one of the more struggling football nations in South America, but the Tri have managed to transform themselves into a team that can never be taken lightly at the international scene.
Ecuador has taken part in three of the 22 World Cups with 12 position they achieved in 2006 in Germany being their best result so far. La Tricolor head into Copa America Centenario tied at the top of CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifying table and their chances of making it through from group B have been increased with good results and alike performances.
Ivan Hurtado played for El Tri since 1992 to 2014 and former centre-back remains the most capped international with 168 games to his name. Ecuador captain Walter Ayovi is the active player with most games in the national team, while Felipe Caicedo with 19 goals is the top scorer of Gustavo Quinteros’ side.