Two absentees in South Africa play against each other to sharpen their weapons for the Copa America 2011.
Ecuador and Colombia travel to New Jersey with many surprises in both teams. Colombia's coach Reinaldo Rueda and his rival Hernan Gomez bring the morbid element to the game, for their past links them both with their opponents. Ivan Cordoba and Antonio Valencia are the great two absents in this American clash.
Tricolor's coach Rueda declared "This game is very important for both sides, this is our chance to show what we've been working on, and I believe we're doing it well". He has introduced major modifications in Ecuador's formation, and it is yet to see whether they will pay off or not.
Ecuador's offense has relied heavily in the last few years on Antonio Valencia's unchallenged speed, but Manchester's electric midfielder is ruled out with injuries. Jairo Campos is unlikely to be part of the starting squqad. Finding the right alternative for these aggressive midfielders should be team's coach main objective for this game.
Colombia's manager Hernan Gomez will also introduce three modifications in his offense: Two of them are tactical, Víctor Ibarbo and Adrián Ramos are the chosen ones to lead the advance from the wings, whilst the third one responds to more personal matters: Falcao Garcia delayed his arrival to New Jersey for no real reason, and Colombia's coach punished him for his decision. He'll be making room for Teófilo Gutiérrez to join the attack.
"Teo knows how to play wherever he's standing, he's got a great technique and when he associates with midfielders he can reach the opposing area clearly" stated Gomez.
Regarding his team's form, Hernan Diaz declared "We understand very well with each other, we've got a good mix of experienced players with strong offensive support. We know each other and we know we can do it"
Giovanni Moreno is one of the most dangerous players in the Colombian squad. He's a highly tactical player, over six feet tall and with an endless supply of stamina. Colombia's physical superiority
Colombia and Ecuador will play a pretty balanced game, and the only security is that their creativity will offer a highly exciting game. Whoever wins will be able to feed on the misery of the other and start dreaming with lifting America's most coveted trophy next July.
Tricolor's coach Rueda declared "This game is very important for both sides, this is our chance to show what we've been working on, and I believe we're doing it well". He has introduced major modifications in Ecuador's formation, and it is yet to see whether they will pay off or not.
Ecuador's offense has relied heavily in the last few years on Antonio Valencia's unchallenged speed, but Manchester's electric midfielder is ruled out with injuries. Jairo Campos is unlikely to be part of the starting squqad. Finding the right alternative for these aggressive midfielders should be team's coach main objective for this game.
Colombia's manager Hernan Gomez will also introduce three modifications in his offense: Two of them are tactical, Víctor Ibarbo and Adrián Ramos are the chosen ones to lead the advance from the wings, whilst the third one responds to more personal matters: Falcao Garcia delayed his arrival to New Jersey for no real reason, and Colombia's coach punished him for his decision. He'll be making room for Teófilo Gutiérrez to join the attack.
"Teo knows how to play wherever he's standing, he's got a great technique and when he associates with midfielders he can reach the opposing area clearly" stated Gomez.
Regarding his team's form, Hernan Diaz declared "We understand very well with each other, we've got a good mix of experienced players with strong offensive support. We know each other and we know we can do it"
Giovanni Moreno is one of the most dangerous players in the Colombian squad. He's a highly tactical player, over six feet tall and with an endless supply of stamina. Colombia's physical superiority
Colombia and Ecuador will play a pretty balanced game, and the only security is that their creativity will offer a highly exciting game. Whoever wins will be able to feed on the misery of the other and start dreaming with lifting America's most coveted trophy next July.
