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FULL TIMELast update 9:06 PM ET
End of match
The match ends with a final score of Ecuador 1-0 Argentina, a great victory for the home team who come away with an important victory to finish this qualifying round in great shape and already have a ticket to the World Cup, an enormous match that both teams gave us.
Key moments
We've reached the 90th minute, and there will be another 5 minutes added to this match. Ecuador is close to taking the 3 points in this final stretch of the match. This duel is ending very heatedly with two teams giving their all.
The final stretch of the match is here, and we'll see how much longer the center-back will make up for this match, where he played the ball in the best possible way, the fans keep singing and cheering in the stands, and we have a great atmosphere in this second half.
Final minutes of the match, we have 6 minutes plus compensation left until the end of this match, Ecuador very close to taking the 3 points in this World Cup qualifying duel, Argentina has not arrived with enough danger to tie the game.
We're reaching the final 10 minutes of the match and Argentina is pressing for a goal, Ecuador is defending and looking to be more dangerous in this duel with counterattacks, the fans are getting into the game looking to apply pressure.
Ecuador is playing with Argentina's desperation, which is committing fouls in its attempt to steal the ball. It looks difficult for an equalizer to come at this point, and the pace of this match has slowed down, with the score still unchanged.
The match is heating up and the fouls keep coming in this match, a lot of intensity in this duel that has been very close, the fans do not stop pressing and the score has not moved, Argentina cannot manage to tie the game
Argentina is already making changes to be much more offensive and able to quickly tie the score. The pace of the match is increasing with each passing minute, and for now, it seems difficult to score in this match.
Ecuador has already made two changes with the aim of refreshing the midfield and regaining possession. Argentina has recovered the ball after the Ecuadorian player was sent off. There was a lot of intensity but little clarity at the moment.
The substitute players are getting up to warm up for possible substitutions. Ecuador is preparing changes to try to be offensive and take the lead. The pace of this match has slowed down, and substitutions are approaching.
The pace of the match slows, and Ecuador looks to have possession and go for the second goal, but Argentina begins to press for the equalizer, a tough loss for the Ecuadorian national team in this second half.
Ecuador is down a man after Moises Caicedo was sent off for a second yellow card. Both teams are now down to 10 players, and the numerical situation is now even, The best part of this match is yet to come.
There's a lot of intensity in these first minutes of the second half, and Ecuador is trying to pressure Argentina to go for the second goal in this exciting match. The pace of the game is growing, great game.
There are no changes in this second half; the same players take the field for the final whistle. We'll see if Argentina can adjust with one less player in this second half, which looks set to be exciting.
Halftime
The first half is coming to an end and we go into the break with the score at the moment Ecuador 1-0 Argentina, in the last play of the match with a great penalty shot Enner Valencia is giving Ecuador the lead and they will have an extra player in the second half, the best of the match awaits us.
We've reached the 45th minute, and six more minutes will be added to this match, which is closing out in great fashion. We'll see how the Argentine national team can adjust for this match, which has a lot to play for in the second half.
In the final minutes of the match, we have three minutes plus stoppage time left in the first half, and the match remains scoreless. Ecuador is putting pressure on the visitors, looking to surprise with their first goal.
We're about to reach the final stretch of the first half, and Ecuador is looking to use an extra player to go for the first goal before halftime. The home side is holding the ball longer and trying to create danger. A great finish awaits us.
Red card for defender Otamendi for cutting off a promising Valencia goal-scoring attack. The Albiceleste team is down a man, and Ecuador will have a great opportunity to take the lead with an extra man. The stadium explodes with the center-back's decision.
We've reached the first 30 minutes of the match and the scoreboard remains unchanged. Argentina is showing danger but is well-defended by the home defense, which has been very alert, creating a lot of danger at both goals.
Argentina has the ball and plays all over the field, but when they reach midfield, Ecuador closes the spaces and this match becomes very tight. There is very little danger in this part of the first half, and it looks difficult for a goal to come.
Many infractions in this match did not allow the ball to roll in the best way, Argentina had the ball more time but could not have a clear play to open the scoring, Ecuador managed to defend well, great game.
Argentina has managed to keep possession, but Ecuador looks solid in the defensive zone. They need to play back with their goalkeeper to reorganize the team. There has been little danger so far in this first half, and the fans have not stopped cheering.
The game clock advances and the match remains in the midfield, two teams that do not give up space and it seems difficult to open the scoring at this moment in this game, a lot of intensity on the side of Ecuador.
Ecuador maintains possession of the ball, but Argentina is very alert at the back and clears the ball well. The pace of the match increases as the minutes pass. For now, there is little danger in this duel of great offenses.
A dangerous corner kick that came close to creating the first goal for Ecuador, but the ball just went wide of Martínez's goal. Argentina was saved by defending at this stage of the first half, great start.
The first few minutes of the match saw the two teams study each other in a lively start. Ecuador has the ball and plays it all over the field looking to find space they can attack at this start of the match.
Kickoff
The first half between Ecuador and Argentina has begun. The match has begun and the two teams are immediately fighting for possession. A promising start for two very strong teams, and the ball is already rolling.
All ready
Everything is ready for the start of the match. The players from Ecuador and Argentina are now ready, waiting for the signal to come onto the field and start rolling the ball in this first half, a procedural match since both teams have a ticket to the World Cup.
End of warmup
The players finish warming up and return to their locker rooms to receive final instructions from their coaches so they can return to the field for the national anthem protocol and the start of the first 45 minutes. We are close to the kickoff.
Argentina lineup
This is Argentina's lineup to face Ecuador, with Messi missing, who will not be in the starting lineup for the Albiceleste for this match that looks set to be one of the best between two great teams in this game:
Keys of match
Ecuador is expected to come out with more intensity for this match, as the host country, looking to close out this FIFA World Cup in the best possible way. Argentina will have a very strong squad full of great players, and a high-scoring match awaits us.
Great Entrance
A great turnout was experienced at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, almost half of the venue was filled for this duel that has 3 points at stake. It is expected that as we approach the starting whistle we will have a full house with fans hoping that their team will finish this qualifying round with a victory.
Ecuador lineup
This is Ecuador's lineup to face Argentina. They'll be looking to close out this qualifying round with a win in what looks set to be a very exciting match. A great match awaits us with some great players on the field:
All ready warmup
The goalkeepers are already starting to come out onto the field, preparing for what will be this match. In a few minutes, the rest of the players will take to the field for the start of the warm-up, a match between two teams that have already qualified for the World Cup.
All ready at the stadium
The Ecuadorian and Argentine national teams are already at the stadium and are preparing in their locker rooms so that in a few minutes they can go out onto the field for the start of the warm-up and the starting lineups for this first half of the Conmebol qualifiers will be announced.
Fans
Little by little, fans are beginning to arrive at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha for this World Cup Qualifying match. Many fans from Ecuador are coming to host this match, which looks set to be very exciting as they face a tough opponent like Argentina. The players are about to arrive at the venue.
