The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Ecuador and Costa Rica is set to take place on Tuesday, October 16, 2023 at Estadio Banco Guayaquil in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Ecuador will host Costa Rica in a crucial CONMEBOL-CONCACAF intercontinental World Cup playoff match. The winner of this single-leg playoff will qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This is an all-important match for both teams as the World Cup qualification is on the line.
Ecuador finished fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings behind Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Costa Rica clinched the intercontinental playoff spot after finishing fourth in the CONCACAF region behind Canada, Mexico and USA.
The matchup between Ecuador and Costa Rica promises to be an exciting one. Both teams will be desperate to book their spots in Qatar and represent their respective continents on football’s biggest stage.
Estadio Banco Guayaquil – The Host Stadium
The Ecuador vs Costa Rica match will be played at the Estadio Banco Guayaquil in Guayaquil, Ecuador. This stadium has a capacity of 57,267 and is home ground for Barcelona Sporting Club of Ecuador.
Some key facts about the Estadio Banco Guayaquil:
- Opened in 1987
- Located in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city
- Named after Banco Guayaquil, a former sponsor
- Hosted several matches during Copa America 1993 and 2021
- Has an all-seater capacity of 57,267
- Surface is natural grass
- Home ground of Barcelona SC of the Ecuadorian Serie A
The Ecuadorian Football Federation chose this stadium for its large capacity and facilities. Moreover, home advantage could play a key role in such an important match. The passionate home fans will fill up the stands and hope to cheer Ecuador to victory.
Reasons for Choosing Estadio Banco Guayaquil
Here are some of the main reasons why Estadio Banco Guayaquil was selected to host Ecuador vs Costa Rica:
- Large capacity – With 57,267 seats, the stadium can accommodate a big crowd which creates an electrifying atmosphere.
- Modern facilities – The stadium has modern features like electronic scoreboards, media facilities, and equipment needed to host an international match.
- Fan support – Playing in front of home fans gives Ecuador an advantage over Costa Rica.
- Location – Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest and most populous city. This makes it easy for fans across the country to travel to the venue.
- Experience – Estadio Banco Guayaquil has experience of hosting major tournaments like Copa America.
- Familiarity – The Ecuador team is familiar with the stadium’s conditions having played there often.
In summary, the Ecuadorian FA went with Estadio Banco Guayaquil due to its capacity, facilities, location and suitability to give the home team the best chance of winning.
Ecuador’s Home Advantage
Playing at Estadio Banco Guayaquil gives Ecuador several advantages as the home team:
- They will have the majority of fans cheering them on during the match.
- The familiarity with the stadium, its surface, dimensions and environment.
- No travel or jet lag unlike Costa Rica who play almost 6,000 miles away from home.
- Accustomed to Guayaquil’s tropical climate unlike the Costa Ricans.
- Strong home record – Ecuador is tough to beat at this venue.
- Motivation to qualify in front of their home fans.
However, Costa Rica are no pushovers and will be determined to upset the odds. Their experience and tactical discipline could neutralize Ecuador’s home advantage.
Costa Rica’s Preparations
Costa Rica is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for this match despite being in hostile away territory:
- Trained for a week in San Jose to get ready for Ecuador’s altitude and climate.
- Scheduled practice matches against weak opponents to build confidence.
- The head coach and senior players are motivating the squad ahead of this high stakes game.
- The team is travelling to Guayaquil well in advance to settle down and train there.
- Costa Rica is focusing on absorbing pressure and hitting Ecuador on counter attacks.
- Key players like Keylor Navas and Bryan Ruiz are determined to qualify for what could be their last World Cup.
With veteran stars and an experienced manager, Costa Rica will bank on their tactical nous to get a favorable result versus Ecuador.
Match Preview and Prediction
It should be a tense and tight contest between two evenly matched Latin American rivals. Here is a quick match preview and prediction:
Ecuador
- Will attack from whistle to whistle.
- Depend on home crowd energy.
- Need big performances from stars like Valencia, Ibarra and Plata.
- Coach Alfaro will set them up to capitalize home advantage.
- Likely to adopt an aggressive approach.
Costa Rica
- Will absorb pressure and defend resolutely.
- Look to frustrate Ecuador and catch them on counters.
- Have the experience to play in hostile away fixtures.
- Stars Navas and Ruiz must lead by example.
- Pragmatic and organized under coach Suarez.
Prediction
Ecuador 1-0 Costa Rica
It will be a cagey and intense affair decided by fine margins. The frenzied home support and sheer desperation to qualify might tilt the game in favor of Ecuador.
Conclusion
Estadio Banco Guayaquil in Ecuador’s largest city will host this monumental World Cup qualification match between Ecuador and Costa Rica. A sold-out and vibrant crowd is expected as Ecuador banks on their home advantage against the resilient Costa Ricans. Passion will run high on and off the field in what promises to be a dramatic intercontinental playoff. After 90 high-stakes minutes, either Ecuador or Costa Rica will realize their World Cup dream while the other faces heartbreak and elimination.