The rivalry between the Argentina and Ecuador national football teams is one of the most intriguing in South American football. Both teams have rich footballing histories and passionate fan bases, making their encounters highly anticipated events. This article provides an in-depth look at the timeline of their matches, highlighting key moments and achievements in their footballing rivalry.
Table of Contents
Argentina National Football Team vs Ecuador National Football Team Timeline
Below is a table summarizing the key matches between the Argentina and Ecuador national football teams:
Date | Competition | Venue | Score | Winner |
---|---|---|---|---|
22 Aug 1941 | Copa America | Santiago, Chile | Argentina 6-1 Ecuador | Argentina |
10 Feb 1942 | Copa America | Montevideo, Uruguay | Argentina 12-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
28 Nov 1959 | Copa America | Guayaquil, Ecuador | Argentina 3-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
14 Feb 1963 | Copa America | Cochabamba, Bolivia | Argentina 3-2 Ecuador | Argentina |
27 Feb 1965 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Argentina 6-3 Ecuador | Argentina |
07 Mar 1965 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Guayaquil, Ecuador | Argentina 2-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
05 Jul 1975 | Copa America | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Argentina 2-1 Ecuador | Argentina |
08 Mar 1977 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Argentina 1-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
20 Mar 1977 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Quito, Ecuador | Argentina 0-1 Ecuador | Ecuador |
13 Jun 1991 | Copa America | Viña del Mar, Chile | Argentina 1-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
24 Jul 1993 | Copa America | Guayaquil, Ecuador | Argentina 0-0 Ecuador | Draw |
15 Jun 1997 | Copa America | Guayaquil, Ecuador | Argentina 0-2 Ecuador | Ecuador |
04 Jun 2000 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Argentina 2-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
02 Jun 2001 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Quito, Ecuador | Argentina 2-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
12 Oct 2003 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Argentina 1-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
30 Mar 2005 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Quito, Ecuador | Argentina 2-0 Ecuador | Ecuador |
18 Jun 2007 | Copa America | Barquisimeto, Venezuela | Argentina 4-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
15 Jun 2008 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Argentina 1-1 Ecuador | Draw |
10 Jun 2009 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Quito, Ecuador | Argentina 0-2 Ecuador | Ecuador |
01 Jun 2012 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Argentina 4-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
11 Jun 2013 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Quito, Ecuador | Argentina 1-1 Ecuador | Draw |
08 Oct 2015 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Argentina 0-2 Ecuador | Ecuador |
10 Oct 2017 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Quito, Ecuador | Argentina 3-1 Ecuador | Argentina |
13 Jun 2021 | Copa America | Cuiabá, Brazil | Argentina 1-0 Ecuador | Argentina |
Early Encounters
Copa America 1941
The first recorded match between Argentina and Ecuador took place on August 22, 1941, during the Copa America in Santiago, Chile. Argentina displayed their dominance with a resounding 6-1 victory over Ecuador. This match set the tone for Argentina’s early superiority in their encounters.
Copa America 1942
The teams met again in the 1942 Copa America on February 10 in Montevideo, Uruguay. Argentina achieved one of their most significant victories with a 12-0 win over Ecuador. This remains one of the highest-scoring matches in the history of the tournament.
The 1950s and 1960s
Copa America 1959
In the 1959 Copa America held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Argentina continued their dominance by defeating Ecuador 3-0. This match highlighted Argentina’s tactical prowess and skillful play, further establishing their reputation as a formidable team in South America.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 1965
During the 1965 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Argentina faced Ecuador twice. The first match, held on February 27 in Buenos Aires, ended with a thrilling 6-3 victory for Argentina. The return leg on March 7 in Guayaquil saw Argentina secure a 2-0 win, showcasing their ability to perform both at home and away.
The 1970s
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 1977
In the 1977 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Argentina faced a challenging encounter against Ecuador. The first match on March 8 in Buenos Aires ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Argentina. However, Ecuador stunned Argentina with a 1-0 win in Quito on March 20, marking a significant moment in their rivalry.
The 1990s
Copa America 1991
Argentina and Ecuador met again in the 1991 Copa America on June 13 in Viña del Mar, Chile. Argentina secured a 1-0 victory, continuing their dominance in the competition. This win contributed to Argentina’s successful campaign, as they went on to win the tournament.
Copa America 1993
In the 1993 Copa America, held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, the teams played to a goalless draw on July 24. This match was part of Argentina’s journey to winning the Copa America that year, ending their 32-year drought in the tournament.
The 2000s
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2000-2001
During the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Argentina faced Ecuador twice. On June 4, 2000, in Buenos Aires, Argentina secured a 2-0 victory. The return match in Quito on June 2, 2001, saw Argentina triumph again with a 2-0 win. These victories helped Argentina qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2003-2005
The teams met again in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. On October 12, 2003, Argentina defeated Ecuador 1-0 in Buenos Aires. However, Ecuador responded with a 2-0 victory in Quito on March 30, 2005. This win was crucial for Ecuador’s qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
The 2010s
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2012-2013
The 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers saw Argentina and Ecuador clash again. On June 1, 2012, in Buenos Aires, Argentina achieved a commanding 4-0 victory. In the return match on June 11, 2013, in Quito, the teams played to a 1-1 draw. These matches demonstrated Argentina’s strength and consistency in the qualifiers.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2015-2017
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Ecuador shocked Argentina with a 2-0 victory in Buenos Aires on October 8, 2015. However, Argentina redeemed themselves with a crucial 3-1 win in Quito on October 10, 2017. This victory secured Argentina’s place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 2020s
Copa America 2021
The most recent encounter between Argentina and Ecuador occurred on June 13, 2021, during the Copa America in Cuiabá, Brazil. Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 victory, with Lionel Messi playing a pivotal role in the team’s success. This match was part of Argentina’s successful campaign, culminating in their Copa America triumph.
Key Players and Moments
Argentina’s Football Legends
Argentina’s national team has been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Players like Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta, and Lionel Messi have left an indelible mark on the team’s success. Their contributions in matches against Ecuador have been instrumental in Argentina’s achievements.
Ecuador’s Rising Stars
Ecuador has produced talented players who have made significant contributions to the national team. Players like Antonio Valencia, Enner Valencia, and Michael Estrada have played pivotal roles in Ecuador’s victories over Argentina. Their performances have elevated Ecuador’s standing in South American football.
Tactical Approaches
Argentina’s Style of Play
Argentina is known for its attacking style of play, characterized by quick passing, skillful dribbling, and precise finishing. The team’s tactical flexibility allows them to adapt to different opponents, making them a formidable force on the international stage.
Ecuador’s Defensive Resilience
Ecuador has often relied on a strong defensive approach, focusing on organization and discipline. Their ability to counterattack with speed and precision has been a key factor in their victories over Argentina. Ecuador’s tactical acumen and resilience have made them a challenging opponent.
The Future of the Rivalry
Emerging Talents
Both Argentina and Ecuador boast promising young talents who are expected to shape the future of their national teams. Players like Lautaro Martínez and Moisés Caicedo represent the next generation of footballers who will continue the rivalry between these two nations.
Upcoming Competitions
As both teams prepare for future international tournaments, their encounters will remain highly anticipated events. The rivalry between Argentina and Ecuador is expected to continue, with both teams striving for success on the continental and global stages.
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Argentina and Ecuador national football teams highlights a rivalry filled with memorable moments and significant achievements. From Argentina’s early dominance to Ecuador’s surprising victories, this rivalry has captivated football fans across the globe. As both teams look to the future, their encounters promise to deliver thrilling footballing spectacles that showcase the best of South American football.
Also read – Mexico National Football Team vs Honduras National Football Team Timeline