Copa America 2024 tips and predictions: Argentina vs Ecuador - Routine win and clean sheet for World Champions

Argentina were pre-tournament favourites to lift Copa America and three wins from three in the group stage has strengthened their position as they prepare to face Ecuador.

We backed Ecuador as the side that could pip favourites Mexico, who finished third, to the Group B title. In the end, surprise package Venezuela bagged nine points.

Their sole win came against CONCACAF side Jamaica, 3-1, while they also held Mexico to a 0-0 draw to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Felix Sanchez’s side decided to sit deep and frustrate the Mexicans, which they successfully did by limiting them to 1.01xG from 20 shots.

 

Planet Sport Bet Special: Bet £10 and get 10x20p free spins on Big Football Bonus if a goal is scored in the first half

 

The South Americans packed the box and blocked six of nine shots from inside the area en route to a clean sheet, but they’ll need to be even better against Argentina.

Lionel Scaloni’s side opted to rest Lionel Messi and several others for their final group stage match, yet still beat Peru 2-0 to secure a maximum of nine points.

The World Champions were briefly troubled by Canada but they remain the only side yet to concede in America while producing the highest xG at the other end.

Given that Ecuador have shown some resolve in this tournament, and Argentina aren’t scoring threes and fours, we’ll back the favourites to win to nil once again.

 

Key stats

- Argentina have won five of six meetings with a clean sheet
- Argentina have won their last eight matches, conceding two goals
- Ecuador have won three of 27 Copa America matches, all against CONCACAF sides
- Ecuador have been outscored 12-2 in four tournament meetings with Argentina

 

Suggested bets

Argentina to win to nil

Lionel Messi to score

Under 2.5 goals