Ecuador endured a frustrating half of football as they struggled to break down a massed Bolivian defence at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa.
Ecuador Vs. Bolivia, 2014 World Cup Qualifying: Halftime Score 0-0 As La Tri Struggle For Breakthrough
It’s 0-0 in Quito as Ecuador struggle to break down a determined and disciplined Bolivian defence.
With El Tri missing the talents of Christian 'Chucho' Benitez, they were always liable to struggle to find goals, and although they achieved a great deal of penetration thanks to the wing talents of Antonio Valencia and Jefferson Montero, they were unable to find a decisive blow to land on Bolivia, who spent most of the first 45 minutes camped inside their own half.
Jaime Ayovi and Narciso Mina comprised Ecuador’s front-pairing, and although Ayovi’s height did not prove effective in open play, it did result in the best chance of the game when the Al-Nassr striker managed to get on the end of a free-kick, only to see his effort denied by a superb last-ditch interception by Luis Mendez.
All in all, chances have been few and far between for either side, with Ecuador’s attacking runs put to an end by a disciplined and defensive Bolivia. Reinaldo Rueda may have to change a few things around at half-time, because Bolivia look like they could hold out all day here - Felipe Caicedo may prove to be a more effective option up front for El Tri.
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