Argentina V Ecuador

Argentina's 1-1 draw with Chile in the Copa opener made it three draws in a row; just like in the recent World Cup qualifiers, Argentina had taken the lead, looked bright but were pushed back and forced to share the points. Since then, though, it has been all wins, usually with fast starts and early leads. They lie second in World Cup qualification and are looking like a better, more consistent team than at any time since the 2016 edition of the Copa.

Ecuador put together three fine wins late last year in World Cup qualification. But their form in June was not good, with two defeats in the qualifiers (they stay third in the table) followed by four games in the Copa without a win. Three draws were enough to get them into the quarterfinals.

Players to watch:

It is impossible to look beyond Lionel Messi for Argentina. Now their most capped player, he is in superb form, and in the last two years he seems to be emotionally integrated into the side as never before, turning himself into a vocal leader. At the other end, Emiliano Martinez is shaping up as Argentina's best keeper for ages, and Cristian Romero has quickly established himself as the first-choice centre-back.

Ecuador are sweating on the fitness of some of their key players -- Jhegson Mendez and Moises Caicedo, who will need to fight to win the midfield battle, and senior striker Enner Valencia, whose power and intelligence might trouble the Argentina defence. There could be a role for the great hope Gonzalo Plata, an awesomely strong winger who cuts in from the right onto his left foot.

Head-to-head:

Argentina have won 21 times, lost five times and drawn 10 times against Ecuador. The last meeting was a 1-0 win for the Albiceleste in October last year.