Argentina vs Ecuador Prediction 05.07.2024 | Copa America

• Competition: Copa America 2024 - Quarter-Finals
• Date: Friday, 5th, July 2024
• Kickoff: 02:00 UTC +1 / 03.00 CEST
• Venue: NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)

In their bid to make it to the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America, Argentina will take on Ecuador at Houston's NRG Stadium in Friday's quarterfinal matchup.

Argentina vs Ecuador Betting Tips: ARGENTINA TO WIN

The reigning champions Argentina strolled through the opening phase of the Copa America without breaking a sweat, claiming maximum points from their trio of group fixtures to book a last-eight spot in the tournament for the eight consecutive occasion.

As well as asserting their power and authority in their group with Canada, Chile, and Peru, coach Lionel Scaloni's men have impressed with defensive toughness and stability, boasting the distinction of being the only side in this tournament whose goal remains untouched so far.

Even though they created an abundance of scoring opportunities in the first three matches - firing 53 shots in total, with 23 on target - they clearly lacked a killer finishing touch in front of goal, as La Albiceleste only converted five of those chances, with four coming from the inspired Lau Martinez.

Unusually, each of Argentina's five goals has been registered in the second half, but as they search for a true cutting edge up front, Messi and co will aim to replicate their 2021 Copa America quarterfinal performance when they crushed the Ecuadorians 3-0 in Goiania.

For their part, Felix Sanchez's side knew that avoiding defeat on the final matchday of Group B would guarantee their progression to the last eight, and they did exactly what was necessary by holding Mexico to a draw in a tedious scoreless contest in California.

By virtue of goal difference alone, Ecuador secured second place, advancing to the quarterfinals for the third time in the last four editions, but there are fears that their campaign could end here, given that they have never managed to defeat Argentina in this tournament (D4 L4).

La Tri's quest to reach the final-four stage of this tournament for the first time sicne 1993 could face an extended wait, as there are no signs of breaking that trend, especially as their last three Copa America meetings with La Albiceleste ended in disappointment, shipping an incredibly tally of 12 goals.

Ecuadorians may not be pushovers, but they were fortunate to escape defeat against Sombreros in matchday three of the group stage, so it's unlikely they can cause an upset here, particularly as they have often been regular victims of the current champions in this tournament. With Lautaro Martinez firing on all cylinders, Argentina should affirm their greatness and continue their march towards defending the Copa America with a comfortable victory in California.