Argentina have eased their way into the quarterfinals this year and could face their first litmus test this week. Argentina vs Ecuador Preview.

Argentina - Ecuador: Form Analysis

World Champions Argentina showed their class and mettle with three consecutive wins in the group stage, topping Group A with nine points. A 2-0 win over Canada in the opener was followed up by a 1-0 win over Chile in the second match, with Lautaro Martinez netting the 88th-minute winner.

With qualification secured, the defending champions were afforded the opportunity to rest a few regulars for the final group stage game. Lautaro Martinez once again grabbed the spotlight, with the reigning Serie A top goalscorer's brace leading Argentina to a 2-0 win over Peru.

This trio of wins means that Argentina have now won their last eight on the trot, with six of those coming with a clean sheet. Since their World Cup triumph in December of 2022, Scaloni's men have won 16 of their 17 games while allowing just four total goals.

Ecuador qualified second in Group B, edging past Mexico via goal differential after both nations finished with identical 1-1-1 records. The Tricolor had early ground to make up after opening the group stage with a 2-1 loss to Venezuela, which also saw captain Enner Valencia sent off after just 22 minutes.

They bounced back quickly to brush aside Jamaica 3-1 on matchday two, with goals from Hincapie, Paez, and Minda. That multiple-goal victory kept things in their favor, and all they needed was a draw against Mexico in the final group game to advance to the quarter-finals. A 0-0 result saw them through, but their failure to win the group now sets up a difficult encounter with the top-ranked team in the world. Ecuador haven't had much luck in recent years against the world champions, with five losses and a draw in their last six meetings.

Prediction:

Clean sheets and Argentina are becoming synonymous lately, and this tournament has been no exception. All three of their wins so far have come with a clean sheet, and this match could go the same way.

Argentina vs Ecuador  stream and TV listing

Brazil：Canais Globo

Italy：Mola TV

International：Score808 808ball