Ecuador pulled through Tuesday night against Argentina despite an early attack in which Sergio Aguero, standing in for star Lionel Messi, sent goaltender Alexander Domninguez the wrong way and scoring on a wide open net.
Neither team, however, could get the edge in the heated match that resulted in a 1-1 tie, granting Argentina one point instead of three, Goal reported. Not long after the initial goal did Segundo Castillo deliver a header right passed Sergio Romero following a play on the left flank by Jefferson Montero, who was stopped short near the goalmouth. The next 45 minutes were gruelling for either side as each tried to overpower the opposition in front of a full Estadio Atahualpa.
Argentina attacked fiercely, delivering a number of long-range kicks. Dominguez appeared determined to prevent another mistake as he made some crucial saves against Angel Di Maria and Aguero to maintain the deadlock. Antonio Valencia made a strong effort for Ecuador in the final 45, launching a header toward the net that went over the bar. Though confident of its showing in the first half, Ecuador could not manage to get past Romero, who excelled as Argentina's defense fell apart.
Though Messi returned after an hour of play, the fate of Argentia was already sealed as the team began to derail. Ecuador set the pace for much of the remainder of the game. Argentina had the chance to swipe three points toward the final 15 minutes of play as Di Maria made a break down the field, but was unable to do damage while Javier Mascherano was sent away for lashing out at an official.
Argentina remains in first in the Conmebol, but the gap has been slightly closed by Colombia as it defeated Peru today. Argentina leads by only two points now. Ecuador remains in third, but could be surpassed by Chile if the team manages to defeat Bolivia.
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