Ecuador Rolls Past Guatemala 3-0 in Columbus in Final World Cup Tune-Up

Photos by: Jonathan Mensah

Ecuador closed its World Cup preparations with a convincing win in Columbus. Jordy Caicedo scored from the penalty spot, second-half substitutes Nilson Angulo and Pervis Estupiñán added late goals, and Ecuador beat Guatemala 3-0 in an international friendly on Sunday afternoon at the home of the Columbus Crew.

Ecuador 3, Guatemala 0
ScottsMiracle-Gro Field | Sunday, June 7

Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece started a largely second-string lineup, and it still controlled the first half. In the 19th minute, Jordy Alcívar slipped a pass through to Alan Minda, who was brought down in the box. Caicedo stepped up and converted the penalty for a 1-0 lead. Jeremy Arévalo nearly doubled it before halftime, but his shot came back off the woodwork.

Beccacece made five changes at the break, sending on regulars including Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Joel Ordóñez and Ángelo Preciado. Guatemala held firm until the final 20 minutes. In the 73rd minute, Preciado curled in a cross and Angulo headed home to make it 2-0.

Five minutes later, Estupiñán, who had just come on, put the game away. Guatemala goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen came off his line to clear a Gonzalo Plata cross, and Estupiñán struck from long range into the empty net for 3-0.

Local connection: Hagen, the Columbus Crew's backup goalkeeper, played all 90 minutes for Guatemala in his club's own stadium. Ecuador also trained at the Crew's OhioHealth Performance Center during its stay in Columbus.

Stat to know: The win extended Ecuador's long unbeaten run heading into the World Cup. Guatemala, which did not qualify, lost for the fourth straight time, and Arian Recinos made his senior debut late in the game.

What it means: Ecuador left Columbus with a clean sheet and momentum before its World Cup group with Germany, Ivory Coast and Curaçao. Guatemala's next competitive step is the CONCACAF Nations League this fall.

Up next: Ecuador opens the World Cup against Ivory Coast on June 14 in Philadelphia.