Football fever returns on Thursday as Ecuador faces Paraguay in World Cup qualifier

As it prepares to face Paraguay in a World Cup qualifying match, Ecuador finds itself in the unlikely position of being the team to beat in South America.

Coach Gustavo Quinteros at Monday practice.

Undefeated in its first four qualifiers, the Tri-Color enters Thursday’s game in Quito confident that it can extend its winning streak. The team gathered Thursday and Quito and began work-outs on Friday.

As in the first four games, the team is without the services of a star player. Striker Felipe “Scolari” Caicedo will miss the Paraguay game and Colombia game next week. Fortunately for Ecuador, Enner Valencia has recovered from an ankle injury and will play Caicedo’s position.

Coach Gustavo Quinteros says the team will play the same attacking style it used in the first four games. “I don’t see any reason to change anything,” he said. “Our plan will always be to press the action.”

Thursday’s game with Paraguay begins at 4 p.m. in Quito’s Atahualpa Olympic Stadium.