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Nothing less than a win is what will keep one of these two sides in contention for qualifying, so we should expect Honduras and Ecuador to go for it tonight in the second round of Group E.
Honduras was a non-factor in the previous match against France, a 3-0 loss in which they didn’t pose the slightest offensive threat. It came as no surprise considering France’s rock solid defense and the fact that the Hondurians lack quality up front, but at least the Americans managed to put on a decent defensive display. Honduras was looking pretty good at the back until they conceded a 45 minute penalty which also resulted in a red card, and fron then on it was all about limiting the scoreline. With all due respect, I consider Honduras to be the ugliest team in this World Cup (arguably the weakest also) – it`s the second game in a row (after a 0-0 friendly draw against England) in which they defend in numbers, waste time and produce horrific tackles, without the slightest offensive intent. Of course, it`s understandable against such solid sides, but nevertheless there is no praise available for Honduras.
Ecuador is a pretty solid side but still it was a surprise to see them finishing ahead of Uruguay in the South American qualifiers and reaching the World Cup directly. They got of to a good start in that group but faded away and there were worries coming into the World Cup, as Ecuador had just 2 wins in 14 games. Nevertheless, they put on a good display against a strong Switzerland team in the first match and should have gotten a draw. Ecuador’s main strength is their excellent offensive play, this side has failed to score only once in the last 10 matches (against Argentina).
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Team news & lineups
Honduras will miss arguably its best player, Winston Palacios, and Bernandez is doubtful as well, while Ecuador has no injuries or suspensions ahead of this game.
Honduras: Valladres – Beckels, O Chávez, Figueroa, Izaguirre – M Chávez, Garcia, Garrido, Espinoza – Bengtson, Costly.
Ecuador: Domínguez – Paredes, Erazo, Guagua, W Ayoví – A Valencia, Gruezo, Noboa, Montero – E Valencia, Caicedo.
Ecuador will hope they win this in order to stand a chance of qualifying before the last group game against France. Listen, the way Honduras is playing, I see very little chances for them to score against Ecuador, even if the South Americans don’t have the best defensive game around. I expect a match in which Ecuador will keep the ball and keep pegging at the Hondurian defense, which should eventually fold under pressure. Honduras will try a few counters but their lack of quality in attack is disturbing, both individually and collectively. I find it hard to believe that Ecuador won`t be able to translate their possession and pressure into the winning goals they need here. It should be a handicap win for them, but I will stick with a safer simple win, using high stakes for the best return of investment. My tip is Ecuador to win, you could also try the -1 asian handicap if you fell like going for higher odds today – there is a sensible gap in class between these two sides. Prediction: Honduras – Ecuador 0-2.
Pick: Ecuador
Odds: 1.70 @ Winner
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 7
Event date: 20 June
