Ecuador vs Uruguay October 11, 2013

Neither Ecuador or Uruguay can afford a loss on Friday, while a draw would simply extend the drama in CONMEBOL qualifying until the final matchday. The teams both sit on 22 points, in fourth and fifth place, with Ecuador leading on goal differential.

Ecuador looked like they were well on their way to securing their ticket to Brazil heading into the summer, but they've failed to win in their last four qualifiers. They've gone through a tough run of games, with their draws at home against Argentina and away to Bolivia, as well as their loss away to Colombia being perfectly understandable results. However, their loss at home to Peru in June was a massive setback. They've tinkered with their lineup over the last couple of games and don't seem to know what their best XI is.


Ecuador and Uruguay will face off in a crucial World Cup qualifying match.
Both sides are tied for fourth place with 22 points and neither has officially clinched a top spot. Venezuela currently has 19 points with only one game remaining; if Venezuela manages to win its final game and either Ecuador and Uruguay lose its final two games, then Venezuela could clinch the playoff spot and send one side home. This scenario, while unlikely, is possible. Ecuador faces Chile in its final game, while Uruguay has to host Argentina.


Uruguay have gone in a different direction in recent matches. They looked like they'd be scrapping for a playoff spot after their loss to Chile back in March, but they've won their last three in a row to get themselves into a position where they control their own World Cup destiny. However, their next two matches -- this one away to Ecuador and Tuesday's game at home against Argentina -- are two of the most difficult on their schedule. In another situation, one or two points from those matches would be acceptable, but their early campaign failings have put them in a tough spot.

Both teams can finish in the top four if either Colombia or Chile loses their game. Ecuador would then need to defeat Chile, and Colombia would need to lose to Peru; Uruguay would also have to defeat Argentina to pull off the feat. A draw would be mortal to either club as they would only garner a maximum of 26 points; Colombia already has that same amount of points thus far. A draw in the Colombia and Chile game would still make ensure a top-four finish for either side.
Prediction: Uruguay and Ecuador draw 1-1.
Start Time: 5 p.m. EST

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