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Ecuador vs Venezuela Match Preview

For years Venezuela have been considered South America's weakest national team, however, the level of their soccer has improved significantly over the last decade, and they will be hoping to start off on the right note when they travel to Ecuador to face the hosts in their opening 2014 World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Venezuela know that playing 2,850 metres above sea level is quite a challenge, and in order to acclimatise themselves to the difficult conditions they decided to arrive in Ecuador five days before the match. The road to Brazil is no straightforward task, and this is the reason why the Venezuelans have planned things very carefully this time around.

After a historical Copa America campaign, where Venezuela reached the semi-finals, Cesar Farias has stayed on as head coach, and has maintained the backbone of his squad, with only a few minor changes. However, against Ecuador he will rest several of his key players in order to keep them fresh for next week's clash with Argentina.

Farias believes a combination of youth and experience will provide Venezuela with a good shot at at least stealing a point from their visit to Quito, if not more.

"If we don't pick up points it will be exclusively my responsibility, not that of these youngsters," warned Farias.

For Farias, "going to the World Cup is an obligation," even though Venezuela has never reached such heights.

La Vinotinto have very fond memories of their last trip to Quito, when in October of 2007 they snatched a 1-0 victory in an identical World Cup qualifier.

Ecuador will do their utmost for this result not to repeat itself, and for this reason have been very cautious when preparing their squad for the clash.

Reinaldo Rueda, the Colombian coach of Ecuador, believes Venezuela will be very complicated opponents, and has selected a very solid side that includes Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia, as well as Cristian Noboa of Rubin Kazan and Cristian Benitez of Club America.

The fixture will take place at the Olimpico Atahualpa of Quito, and the stadium is expected to be filled to its 44,000 capacity.

Ecuador vs Venezuela Match Report

Ecuador kicked off their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Venezuela at the Atahualpa stadium in Quito. The Ecuadorians proved much too strong for a young Venezuela side that clearly felt the effects of playing 2,850 metres above sea level.

Jaime Ayovi and Christian Benitez scored first half goals to give Ecuador three points on their highly anticipated debut. Reinaldo Rueda's side put on an exciting attacking display for the 44,000 fans that filled the stadium to its capacity.

Spurred on by the home crowd, Ecuador immediately pushed to the attack from the kick-off, and their approach paid dividends, as Ayovi reached a rebound inside of the area with a smart header to put Ecuador ahead in the 14th minute.

Manchester United midfielder Antonio Valencia caused constant problems for the Venezuela defense down the right flank, and it was one of his trademark crosses that led to Ecuador's second goal in the 27th minute. Valencia found Christian Benitez with a good ball in the middle of the area, and the Club America striker made no mistake, with a powerful header.

Venezuela lacked authority in their game, however, when they did manage to create goal-scoring opportunities they always looked dangerous. Venezuela boss, Cesar Farias, decided to select a young squad to confront the altitude, but his team lacked sufficient experience to damage the hosts.

After the break it was all one-way traffic, as Ecuador came close to extending their advantage, but couldn't beat Venezuela goalkeeper Renny Vega for a third time. Vega made a number of fine saves to prevent his side from losing by a greater difference.

Venezuela were reduced to ten-men in the 76th minute, when captain Jose Manuel Rey received a second yellow card for dangerous play.

In the second round of World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, Venezuela entertain Argentina, while Ecuador have a bye.

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