Date: September 11, 2024 | Time: 02:30 (local) | Venue: Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, Quito
The road to the FIFA World Cup 26™ kicked off in dramatic fashion with a fierce encounter between the Ecuador Republic National Football Team and Peru National Football Team in the FIFA World Cup 26™ CONMEBOL Qualifiers. Set against the backdrop of Quito’s high-altitude Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, both teams were determined to start the campaign strong. Ecuador, buoyed by home support, sought redemption from past struggles, while Peru aimed to exploit their historical head-to-head advantage.
Ecuador Republic National Football Team vs Peru National Football Team Head-to-Head
| Ecuador vs Peru H2H | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Ecuador | 2 | 5 | 1 |
| Peru | 1 | 5 | 2 |
The Ecuador Republic National Football Team had managed only one win in their last eight matches against the Peru National Football Team, with Peru often coming out on top. But Ecuador’s resilient form, especially at home, hinted at a potential shift in the dynamic.
Ecuador Republic National Football Team vs Peru National Football Team Lineups
Ecuador (3-4-3)
- Goalkeeper: Hernan Galindez
- Defenders: Felix Torres, Piero Hincapie, William Pacho
- Midfielders: Pervis Estupiñan, Moises Caicedo (C), Alan Franco, Angelo Preciado
- Forwards: Kendry Paez, Enner Valencia, John Mercado
Substitutes: Moises Ramirez, Gilmar Napa, Jhoanner Chavez (87′), Joel Ordonez, Xavier Arreaga, Carlos Gruezo, John Yeboah (59′), Pedro Vite (58′), Jhegson Mendez, Kevin Rodriguez (67′), Angel Mena, Jeremy Sarmiento.
Peru (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
- Defenders: Anderson Santamaria, Carlos Zambrano, Miguel Araujo
- Midfielders: Marcos Lopez, Renato Tapia (C), Sergio Pena, Piero Quispe, Oliver Sonne
- Forwards: Gianluca Lapadula, Alex Valera
Substitutes: Carlos Caceda, Diego Romero, Luis Abram, Aldo Corzo, Jean Pierre Archimbaud (45′), Edison Flores, Bryan Reyna, Santiago Ormeno (79′), Oliver Sonne (45′), Jesus Castillo, Piero Quispe (68′).
Ecuador Republic National Football Team vs Peru National Football Team First Half Summary
The match began with both sides displaying cautious approaches, knowing the stakes were high in the FIFA World Cup 26™ CONMEBOL Qualifiers. Ecuador held early possession, relying on Enner Valencia and the youthful Kendry Paez to break through Peru’s solid defense, marshaled by the experienced Carlos Zambrano.
Peru’s midfield, anchored by Renato Tapia, struggled to contain Ecuador’s energetic play, leading to multiple fouls in the opening half-hour. By the 45th minute, Ecuador had earned three corners, but Peru’s defense, along with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, thwarted every attempt.
Tempers flared near the end of the half, with Anderson Santamaria receiving a yellow card in stoppage time for a reckless challenge. The teams went into the break locked at 0-0, with neither side able to find the back of the net.
Ecuador Republic National Football Team vs Peru National Football Team Second Half Summary
The second half began with Ecuador increasing their pressure, and it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken. In the 54th minute, Enner Valencia seized on a misplaced pass, slotting home from an Alan Franco assist to give the Ecuador Republic National Football Team a crucial 1-0 lead over the Peru National Football Team.
Peru responded by making several substitutions, including bringing on Santiago Ormeno and Piero Quispe. However, Ecuador’s defense, led by Piero Hincapie and William Pacho, remained resolute.
As the game progressed, Ecuador was forced into defensive mode as Peru pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Despite their best efforts, including a late offside goal by Gianluca Lapadula, Peru was unable to break through. Ecuador’s Hernan Galindez pulled off several crucial saves in the dying minutes to secure all three points.
Ecuador Republic National Football Team vs Peru National Football Team Stats
| Ecuador vs Peru Stats | Ecuador | Peru |
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Shots (on target) | 12 (5) | 8 (3) |
| Corners | 6 | 2 |
| Fouls | 18 | 14 |
| Offsides | 4 | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 4 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
Ecuador Republic National Football Team vs Peru National Football Team Timeline
- 45’: Yellow card – Anderson Santamaria (Peru)
- 54’: Goal – Enner Valencia (Ecuador) (Assist: Alan Franco)
- 57’: Yellow card – Kendry Paez (Ecuador)
- 61’: Yellow card – Marcos Lopez (Peru)
- 87’: Substitution – Jhoanner Chavez for Pervis Estupinan (Ecuador)
- 90’+4: Full-time whistle
Ecuador Republic National Football Team vs Peru National Football Team Full-Time Result
- Ecuador Republic National Football Team 1 – 0 Peru National Football Team
Impact on the Points Table
This crucial victory propelled the Ecuador Republic National Football Team up the FIFA World Cup 26™ CONMEBOL Qualifiers standings, while Peru’s campaign took an early hit. With three points from their opening fixture, Ecuador positioned themselves well to challenge for a spot in the FIFA World Cup 26™, while Peru faced an uphill battle.
Man of the Match
Enner Valencia: The Ecuadorian captain proved his mettle once again, scoring the decisive goal and leading his team by example. His tireless work ethic and leadership were crucial to Ecuador’s victory.
The FIFA World Cup 26™ CONMEBOL Qualifiers began with a thrilling contest between the Ecuador Republic National Football Team and Peru National Football Team. Ecuador’s 1-0 win, powered by Enner Valencia’s goal, gave them the perfect start to their qualifying campaign. Peru, despite their best efforts, will need to regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead as they seek to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 26™.
