Colombia 0-1 Ecuador Player Ratings: Enner Valencia’s strike helps 10-man Ecuador secure a hard-fought win against the hosts

Ecuador edged out Colombia 1-0 in a gruelling encounter in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, with Enner Valencia’s strike sealing the deal for the visitors. The 35-year-old broke the deadlock in the 7th minute after surging past a handful of Colombian players before firing in a stunning strike with his left foot into the bottom-left corner. However, the game seemingly changed in the hosts’ favour after Piero Hincapie received a straight red card for fouling Jhon Cordoba, who was through on goal. Cordoba was soon presented with a glorious chance in front of the goal but he squandered it and also had his strike denied by stunning reflexes from goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.

Despite the odds stacked against them, Ecuador managed to hold on to the lead with the help of their well-oiled defence and a few crucial saves from Galindez. On the other hand, Colombians were unlucky on a few occasions but Ecuador’s impenetrable defence made things difficult for them. With the victory, Ecuador have leapfrogged Colombians to the third position in the Qualifying table.

Colombia National Football Team Player Ratings vs Ecuador

Goalkeeper

Camilo Vargas: 5/10 – Was hapless against Valencia’s strike and was hardly called into action otherwise

Defenders

Johan Mojica: 6/10 – Performed a great back-heel flick to find James, which resulted in one of the biggest chances for Colombia

Davinson Sanchez: 5/10 – Sanchez was clumsy in his effort against Valencia for the opening goal.

Jhon Lucumi: 4/10 – Was completely undone by Valencia for the opening goal. A better effort was needed at that point

Daniel Munoz: 6/10 – Provided an accurate cross to Luis Diaz, whose header was denied by the post.

Midfielders

Richard Rios: Made a sloppy pass that led to the turnover from Ecuador, eventually resulting in a goal from Valencia.

Juan Camilo Portilla: Maintained the tempo of the game brilliantly, delivering 12 passes into the final third

James Rodriguez: Delivered a brilliant cross to put on a plate for Cordoba but only to be missed by the striker. Also had his dangerous free kick saved by Galindez

Attackers

Luis Diaz: 6/10 – Despite a difficult start, the star winger came into his own when Colombians were all over Ecuadorians. Had his header denied by the post in an unfortunate way and registered 9 shots in total but to no effect. Completed 4 dribbles.

Jhon Arias: 5/10 – Had a great 1v1 opportunity but his strike was denied spectacularly by Galindez.

Jhon Cordoba: 5/10 – Despite winning the foul that led to Hincapie’s dismissal, Cordoba missed a flurry of glorious opportunities due to his substandard finishing. Missed a sitter from close range and against an open goal.

Substitutes

Juan Quintero: 6/10 – Colombians missed his presence as he managed to create 3 chances and deliver 4 passes into the final third within the short time he was on the pitch.

Jhon Duran: N/A

Andres Gomez: N/A

Rafael Santos Borre: N/A

Manager

Nestor Lorenzo: 5/10- Lorenzo would count himself unlucky as an all-out attack from his side still proved insufficient. The Colombians managed to find a way past Ecuador’s low block multiple times but were let down by their poor finishing.

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Ecuador National Football Team Player Ratings vs Colombia

Goalkeeper

Hernan Galindez: 7/10 – One of the culprits for putting Ecuador in a vulnerable position as his effort to sweep the danger outside the penalty box proved futile after Cordoba eased past him. However, he made it up with a stunning save to deny Cordoba from point-blank range. He also made a few more crucial saves in the second half, playing a key role in the victory

Defenders

Pervis Estupinan: 5/10 – Made an awful backpass to the defence that led to the terrible mess in the first half, resulting in Hincapie’s red card.

Piero Hincapie: 3/10 – A disastrous start evening after getting sent off inside the first half for tripping down Cordoba, who was through on goal

Willian Pacho: 7/10 – Stood as a defensive wall that repelled every possible attacking move from the Colombians. Made 10 clearances and won 6 duels.

Joel Ordonez: 7/10 – Ordonez managed to keep Diaz in the early spell and shored the backline brilliantly. Made 3 blocks and 3 interceptions.

Midfielders

Moises Caicedo: 7/10 – Together with Ordonez, Caicedo overwhelmed Diaz at the start of the game and the Chelsea midfielder grew in stature as the minutes wore on. Proved to be a nuisance to the Colombians with his robustness, winning a game-high 9 duels and making 7 recoveries.

Alan Franco: 7/10 – Set up Valencia’s only goal of the game with a simple pass and was also tenacious in the back, winning 4 duels, making 6 clearances and 4 recoveries

Pedro Vite: 5/10 – Had a good first half but was sacrificed for a defender at halftime.

Attackers

Gonzalo Plato: 6/10 – the flamboyant winger showcased his outstanding dribbling abilities, which often caused trouble for the Colombians. Delivered 6 passes into the final third

Alan Minda: 5/10 – Had to refrain from his attacking game due to Ecuador receding the possession.

Enner Valencia: 7/10 – Took on three players, including Rios, Sanchez and Lucumi, before unleashing a stunning strike into the bottom right corner.

Substitutes

Felix Torres: 7/10 – Made a massive impact since coming off the bench, making 11 clearances.

Kevin Rodriguez: N/A

John Mercado: N/A

Jhoanner Chavez: N/A

Carlos Gruezo: N/A

Manager

Sebastian Beccacece: 7/10 – Beccacece’s game plan clearly fell in place, with Valencia scoring an early and Ecuador reverting to a deep block to protect the lead. Although Hincapie’s red card was a sticking point, it didn’t affect Ecuador as they managed to see off the game.

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