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Ecuador head coach Félix Sánchez has likened their Copa America quarter-final to a final, as they prepare to take on defending champions, Argentina, in Houston.
La Tricolor did not make the best start to the tournament with their 2-1 defeat to eventual Group B winners Venezuela.
However, an impressive 3-1 win over Jamaica, coupled with their goalless draw against Mexico, was enough to see them finish second in the group and qualify for the knockout stage.
Ecuador have never won the Copa America, but a statement victory over Argentina would surely make them the ones to watch.
Sánchez is confident his players have what it takes to cause an upset.
“We know it is an unmatched opponent, and we know how tough it’s going to be, and we’ll see how that unfolds,” Sanchez said.
“It is yet another final for us, and we will try to compete against the world’s champion and the world’s best team. I believe that our team is going to be extremely motivated with a very high morale and trying to play a good match.
“I have full confidence in our players. I know that they are going to give their best as they’ve done in the three matches. We know how tough it is, and we’re going to do whatever we can to win it.”
Argentina stayed perfect through the group stage, winning all three games without conceding a single goal, with Lautaro Martínez providing the spark – he has the lead in the Golden Boot race with his four goals.
It also looks like they will be boosted by the return of Lionel Messi, who missed their 2-0 victory over Peru due to a hamstring issue, while head coach Lionel Scaloni will be back on the touchline after serving a one-match ban.
Assistant coach Walter Samuel is still expecting a tough battle though, noting the difficulties that Ecuador’s style poses.
“They are different rivals,” Samuel said. “We faced Ecuador in the last friendly. We know them and [they] have a capable coach. The physical part is a big deal, but they have a great technical quality, too. They are playing this tournament well, and it’ll be difficult.
“We have seen many players who had not had game time [against Peru]. We have now used almost the whole squad. Now comes the next round and we need to be ready.”