The game was clearly a resounding success for everyone involved. What I will mention is that our defense isn't solid YET. We definitely looked shaky, and Dominguez saved our ass several times. I did like the way our midfield played, and definite kudos to Valencia. Montero's first half was fantastic, but I think he's still really digging the "drag the ball to the touchline and pass only if you can't do anything else" mentality. He's still wants to do the crossovers instead of use a quick burst of speed to pass/center. I'll also note that Bolaños was a disaster last night. I'll slot Ibarra in his place. Ibarra is faster and is definitely more accurate- despite being a winger, he can play up front. I've seen it in training! Anyway, I'm glad we won, and the team definitely shook me out of most of the pessimism, but we NEED to beat Bolivia...at least by 3 goals to pad the GD. I don't want us going in overconfident- mentally, we're not there yet.
I just saw Colombia's goals,haha,same as ours,first came off a corner,2headers and goal.second one, from right and pass to middle,same as ours.
Antonio Valencia was beasting last night, LVG is not using him right. He shut those haters at Man Utd and those ppl who didnt want him on the NT up.
Anyone surprised by Quiñonez performance in the middle yesterday? I am. He played great containing the midfield. If Messi was in he would have gotten in trouble but he did good. I hope he isn't hurt.
To me he was shaky but looking back he did good. Unfortunately he picked up a small injury so hes doubtful to play against Bolivia. On the bright side Enner Valencia is back and played 20 minutes in a friendly and provided an assist. Castillo or A. Bolanos will start along side Noboz
I think Quinteros might try some new things vs Bolivia 4-4-2 Dominguez; Paredes, Achilier, Erazo, Pinieda; Valencia, A. Bolanos, Noboa, Montero; Caicedo, Martinez Subs: M. Bolanos for Martinez, Ibarra for Valencia, Sornoza for Caicedo 4-2-3-1 Dominguez; Paredes, Achilier, Erazo, Pinieda; A. Bolanos, Noboa, Valencia, Cazares, Montero; Bolanos Subs: Caicedo for Bolanos, Mena for Valencia, Martinez for Montero
I can't get tired of watching the replays and analysis on this match. Easily one of the best performances I've ever seen from the NT…even before the 2 goals, we were just dominating and controlling the game with intelligent defending and quick passing. I was worried that a negative result against Argentina would have a negative psychological impact going into Quito against Bolivia - remember the Copa America where we lost to Chile and then blew it against Bolivia? That said we can't be overconfident, we need to keep our feet on the ground and focus as always on the 3 points. It's a long tournament but we just got 3 points that probably no other teams will get, away to Argentina. So we need to continue the momentum and if we can pick up a lot of points early that puts the pressure on other teams to catch up.
Well I'm glad we actually did screw up against them already in the Copa America. We should not underestimate anyone. I hope that we learned that lesson and come out very focused against them this time.
As far as I remember, Caicedo always scores against Bolivia, whether it's through penalty or a golazo, hopefully that streak continues.
Got my new NT shirt on Saturday. My cousin brought 2 for me & my son from GYE. Very nice. The weight/thickness is heavier than previous version though. For Florida weather I like the lighter material. For you guys up north it will be better.
Possible line-ups for both teams Ecuador: 4-4-2 Dominguez; Paredes, Achillier, Erazo, Ayovi; Valencia, Quinonez(Castillo, Bolanos), Noboa, Montero; Bolanos, Caicedo Bolivia: 5-4-1 Lampe; Zampiery, Eguino, Marteli, Zenteno, Flores;Veizaga, Galindo, Campos, Arce; Álvarez
Yeah the field is terrible. So unpredictable where the ball is going to go. Also watch out for injuries. Hope we come out good.