First half goals from Jaime Ayovi and Christian Benitez gave Ecuador a winning debut against Venezuela.
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.
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.
