Benitez Gives Ecuador Vital Win Over Chile

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Christian Benitez - Ecuador-Chile

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Ecuador started the stronger of the two sides, and created several clear-cut opportunities to take an early lead against a Chile side who looked extremely vulnerable in defense.

The Ecuadorians, who have done well in recent qualifiers, pushed to the attack in large numbers as they searched for a goal that would do plenty to settle some early nerves.

In the 19th minute Chile received a major set-back, as Ismael Fuentes was sent-off after a violent tackle on an opponent.

Ecuador tried to make the most of their numerical advantage, and they piled heavy pressure on the Chile goal for the remainder of the half, despite the torrential rainfall.

After the restart, Chile tried to have more of an influence on the match, and they marked tightly in the defense, and looked for the counterattack at every opportunity.

But their success was limited, as Marcelo Bielsa's side could barely get a shot on goal, even if the Ecuador defense seemed extremely shaky at moments.

Finally, after heaps of pressure, Ecuador went ahead when Christian Benitez found the back of the net after Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo couldn't deal with a dangerous corner-kick swung in from the left.

However, Ecuador were still made to sweat, as five minutes after going in front Antonio Valencia received his marching orders, after studding a Chilean.

But Ecuador kept at the attack, and they would have doubled their advantage if it wasn't for a superb double-save from Bravo, after serious pressure in the Chile area.

Ecuador recorded a vital 1-0 victory against direct rivals Chile, and climb into sixth position on the ladder, with 12 points. At this rate Ecuador remain on track to qualify for a third successive World Cup finals.

Gregory Sica