Enner Valencia’s brace gives Ecuador some breathing space

Ecuador rode on a brace from Enner Valencia to edge past Honduras in their second match of the FIFA World Cup 2014. The Ecuadorians overcame the challenge of Central Americans by a scoreline of 2-1 to stay in the hunt for a place in the last 16.

Both teams played good football, might not be pretty but effective, as they continued to keep the spectators on the edge of their seats. Honduras opened the scoring in the 30^th minute when Carlo Costly’s put the ball into the back of the net following a misjudged header from centre-half Jorge Guagua. Ecuador took just 3 minutes to put themselves on level terms as Enner Valencia scored from three yards out. With the half-time score remaining at 1-1, a promising second half was on the cards. Neither team disappointed as they tried to grab the initiative. Honduras had one goal ruled out but it was not same for Ecuador when Valencia headed in the second of the night in the 64^th minute after Walter Ayovi had whipped in a brilliant cross from a free-kick. Honduras failed to equalize in the remainder of the match as Ecuador implemented the tactics of wasting time effectively.

With this win, Ecuador has given them a great chance of going into the next round although they still have to play against France in which they can’t afford to lose. If Switzerland wins their last match against Honduras which seems more likely, it would be curtains for the Ecuadorians.

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About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.