In California, where the Copa America is taking place outside of South America for the second time in history, the Ecuador national team is facing significant challenges.
Moises Caicedo and 17-year-old Kendry Paes took to the field from the first minutes of the match against Venezuela. For Paes, this was a historic moment, as he became the youngest Ecuadorian ever to play in this prestigious tournament.
A terrible blow: Valencia’s loss
In the 22nd minute, experienced striker Enner Valencia received a straight red card for a dangerous foul against Venezuela’s Josef Martinez. This incident was a turning point in the game, as Ecuador was already forced to play with a man down.
Struggle and the first goal
Despite being outnumbered by the opponent, Ecuadorians did not give up and managed to take the lead. Five minutes before the break, Jeremy Sarmiento capitalized on a Venezuelan defensive mistake and sent the ball to the bottom corner of the net.
Venezuela’s pressure and decisive moments
After the break, Venezuela increased the pressure on Ecuador’s goal. In the 64th minute, Jhonder Cadiz equalized, and in the 74th minute, Eduard Bello scored the winning goal after a ball rebound, which proved to be the decisive strike for the Ecuadorian national team.
Game analysis and the next challenge
Moises Caicedo stood out with his active play, creating chances for his team. One of his crosses almost led to a second goal, but Venezuela’s goalkeeper Rafael Romo reacted in time and saved the ball. Now Ecuador must prepare for a match against Jamaica in Las Vegas, where they will try to correct their mistakes after the defeat.
Summary and predictions
This match was a great test for the young Ecuadorian team. Valencia’s loss and playing with a man down in the difficult part of the game made their task more challenging. However, they showed their fighting spirit and determination to win. The next game against Jamaica will be an important test of their resilience and ability to bounce back after a loss.
