Uruguay vs Panama
ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA – JUNE 20: Luis Suárez of Uruguay celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at Rostov Arena on June 20, 2018 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Uruguay’s World Cup preparations continue with this friendly in Montevideo.
So far this month, la Celeste have played a pair of friendlies in the United States, impressing both times.
First, faced with a partizan home crowd in Arizona, they swatted aside Mexico 3-0 with Edinson Cavani bagging a brace.
Three days later, Diego Alonso rung the changes as his side held the U.S. to a goalless draw at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas.
When Alonso took over, Uruguay’s World Cup hopes were almost over, only for his team to conclude qualifying with four successive victories.
So, in November, they’ll face Korea Republic, Portugal and Ghana in a very competitive looking Group H.
Nevertheless, having reached the semi-finals in 2010 and the quarters four years ago, Uruguay are very much expected to do well in Qatar.
Panama meanwhile made their World Cup debut in Russia but narrowly missed out on qualification this time.
Los Canaleros finished fifth in the Octagonal round of CONCACAF qualifying, four points below the inter-confederation play-off spot.
This month, Thomas Christiansen’s team have played a pair of Nations League games on home soil, and they could hardly have gone any better.
First, a rather youthful Costa Rica side were swatted aside 2-0 at Estadio Olímpico Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez.
Then, on Thursday night, Panama hammered Martinique 5-0 with Gabriel Torres, Fidel Escobar and Yoel Bárcenas all on target.
So, la Marea Roja will probably need just a point when they visit San José in March to reach next summer’s Nations League Finals.
Here, less than 48 years on from Panama’s last outing, Uruguay should be easily win this friendly at Estadio Centenario.
Ecuador vs Cape Verde
Ecuador’s Moisés Caicedo celebrates after scoring against Uruguay during their 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium in Quito on October 13, 2020. (Photo by Jose Jacome / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JOSE JACOME/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Ecuador will make their World Cup return later this year, so are preparing with a trio of friendlies in the United States.
So far this month, la Tricolor have beaten Nigeria 1-0 in New Jersey thanks to Pervis Estupiñán’s early goal at Red Bull Arena.
Three days later, they took on Mexico at Solider Field and battled to a goalless draw.
Now down in Miami, Gustavo Alfaro’s side will be looking to conclude this three-game window with a victory.
Ecuador sprung a real surprise in CONMEBOL qualifying, finishing third, below only Brazil and Argentina.
So, in November, they’ll appear at their fourth World Cup, have previously done so in 2002, 2006 and 2014.
La Tri kick off against hosts Qatar before facing European heavyweights Netherlands and AFCON champions Senegal.
Here, up against African opposition, will Ecuador claim a victory in Fort Lauderdale?
Cape Verde meanwhile have never qualified for a World Cup, eliminated by Nigeria in the most recent cycle.
However, the Blue Sharks did enjoy a decent run at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the round of 16 back in January.
This month, Bubista’s side have began the latest AFCON qualifying cycle, first losing 2-0 to group heavyweights Burkina Faso.
But then, on Tuesday, Júlio Tavares and Jamiro Monteiro were on target in a 2-0 victory over Togo, getting them right back on track.
In this one, Ecuador will be confident of a victory at DRV PNK Stadium.
