Ecuador vs. Paraguay 9/2/21 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifications Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Ecuador and Paraguay face off in Game 7 of the CONMEBOL South American World Cup Qualifiers at Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium. These two teams last faced off in 2017 and it was Paraguay that came away with the 2-1 victory. 

Ecuador comes into this game sitting in 3rd place in the standings having picked up 9 points in six games. Ecuador was able to make it out of the group stage of the Copa America before losing in the quarterfinals to Argentina. Ecuador’s defense was strong early in the game, but they let a goal up in the 40th minute, and Argentina was able to add two more before the game ended. Ecuador in that game had 54 percent of the possession, but they only managed two shots on goal. The previous three games for Ecuador all ended in a draw. This is a big game for Ecuador where they need maximum points so it wouldn’t be shocking if they pushed numbers forward. 

On the other side of this matchup is Paraguay who sit in 6th place in the standings having picked up seven points. Paraguay also made it through to the quarterfinals before they were defeated in a penalty shootout by Peru. In that game it took a 90th minute goal by Gabriel Avalos to even have a chance during penalty kicks. Paraguay had 14 shots with eight on target, and three going into the back of the net. In two of the previous three games, Paraguay failed to score any goals. 

Paraguay’s offense at times has been an issue and this is going to be a game where they struggle to score again. Ecuador is going to push numbers forward but I also expect Paraguay is going to be ready for it and go in a defensive shape. Back the under.