Paraguay vs Ecuador: Piero Hincapié and the unusual own goal that puts the 2-0 in favor of the 'albirroja'

Paraguay got 2-0 up on the scoreboard after an unusual own-goal by Piero Incapie shortly after starting the second half at the Antonio Aranda stadium in Ciudad del Este. The central defender tried to give his goalkeeper a pass back, but the football ended up inside the goal. The footballer had to be encouraged by his teammates in the duel for the penultimate date of the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers.

The action came within 47 minutes of the engagement. The football was in favor of the 'tricolor', but, given the little option of passing forward, the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back decided to back the ball for his goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez. The ball was so strong and stuck to the right post of the goalkeeper's goal, that it gave him no option to get there. The ball ended up getting into goal to everyone's surprise.

PARAGUAY VS ECUADOR MATCH

Paraguay vs Ecuador will be played simultaneously with Peru vs Uruguay, Brazil vs Chile and Paraguay vs Ecuador. Those led by Gustavo Alfaro hope to add three points that will finally ensure the passage to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, but in front they will have a 'albirroja' who already assured that nothing will be saved on this double date of the South American Qualifiers.

Clearly, this is one of the best South American qualifiers Ecuador has played in recent years. With 25 points, the 'Tricolor' is only behind Brazil and Argentina and shortly after sealing their direct classification. On the other hand, Paraguay did not have a good time and in 16 matches it could only score 13 points, being totally eliminated before this double date.

The 'Tricolor' is in third place with 25 points and a victory will ensure them direct qualification, while a draw secures them the playoff spot. It comes from drawing twice on the last double date against Brazil at home and against Peru on the road. Both matches ended 1-1.

Both teams have met 39 times between Copa America, friendlies and matches by World Cup Qualifiers, with the 'albirroja' having the advantage with the most wins (21). Ecuador only won 12 times, while on six other occasions they tied. The last time they met, they ended with a 2-0 victory for the 'Tricolor' with goals from Felix Torres and Michael Estrada, on September 2, 2021.

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