Argentina vs. Ecuador: Match report, controversies, and final score
Argentina fell 1-0 to Ecuador in Guayaquil in a qualifying finale marked by refereeing decisions that sparked debate. Lionel Messi's absence was a note of context that conditioned expectations, while the match was decided by a penalty awarded after a VAR intervention. Enner Valencia converted from the penalty spot and celebrated the goal that gave La Tri a crucial victory at home.
Nicolás Otamendi's red card, which left the national team with ten men from the first half, and the subsequent expulsion of Moisés Caicedo in the second half gave the match a hectic pace; the dynamic was one of interruptions and moments of high intensity. Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez kept Argentina in check with several outstanding saves, but the home side ultimately won. The result doesn't alter the lead: the Albiceleste finished the qualifying rounds at the top of the table.
Argentina finished the tournament as the top-scoring team with 31 goals and 38 points, while Ecuador climbed to second place with 29 points and established itself as the tournament's most resolute defender, conceding just five goals in 18 matches. Beyond the scoreline, the match left questions about the refereeing judgment in crucial moments and several tactical interpretations to analyze.
The penalty awarded by Wilmar Roldán—at the request of VAR—and converted by Valencia was the decisive moment of the match; the controversial play was immediately discussed by coaches and former players. Argentina sought alternatives with offensive substitutions in the second half and had a few chances, but lacked depth in the closing stages. Ecuador, for its part, relied on counterattacks and vertical play, which paid off in the goal and in the final minutes.
