Ecuador's U-17 Vs Panama U-17 Preview: Fighting For Full Points For Advanced Phases

Ecuador U-17 has a great opportunity to qualify for the last 16 of the 2023 U-17 World Cup (doc. FIFA).

JAKARTA - Ecuador U-17 will face Panama U-17 on the third matchday of Group A of the 2023 U-17 World Cup at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 19.00 WIB.

Both teams are in contrast, but both look to the hope of qualifying for the next round. Ecuador U-17 is in a fairly favorable condition. They lead the Group A standings with four points from two matches.

While Panama U-17 is in an unpleasant situation. They were stranded at the bottom of the Group A standings with a score of one point.

Despite the condition of the two teams like heaven and Earth, all teams in Group A still have a chance to qualify for the round of 16.

Looking at the open opportunity, it's no wonder both teams will fight for each other's full points. Moreover, the results of this match will also affect the group's final standings and determine which team will qualify.

When referring to the current situation, Ecuador's U-17 still has the most chance of qualifying because they only need a draw on the third matchday. Meanwhile, Panama U-17 has a tough target because it is mandatory to win.

Yes, the only scenario for Panama U-17 is to win. If they only pick one point, they will have a maximum of two points and find it difficult to compete for tickets through the best third-placed route.

You see, currently there are three of the four teams in the top third-placed standings who have collected three points. They are Iran (Group C), Uzbekistan (Group B), and Japan (Group D).

This number can still increase because Group E and F are only playing their second matchday on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

The condition of Panama U-17 which was on the brink made the coach, Mike Stump, have to rack his brain.

One of the improvement targets is the effectiveness of the game and the confidence of the team that is currently falling.

"Players want to win because this match (against Indonesia) is very important for us. We will face Ecuador's U-17 with more confidence," said Stump, quoted from the PSSI website.

Meanwhile, the Ecuador U-17 situation is relatively safer. However, Diego Mart Mariez's squad also remains obliged to be vigilant because defeats can make their escape scenario a mess.

Fortunately, Ecuador's U-17 is in good condition in terms of confidence. The success of winning the fierce match against Morocco U-17 on the second match was key.

We played a good match against the strong team (Maroko U-17). The key is to be able to control the ball and take advantage of every opportunity that exists. That's what happened. We're happy to be able to win," said Ecuadorian U-17 captain Michael Bermudez, quoted from the FIFA website.