Ecuador clinched a vital 2-1 victory over Venezuela in the CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifying match held in Quito on March 21, 2025, thanks to a stellar performance from their historic top scorer, Enner Valencia. This win temporarily positions Ecuador in second place with 22 points after 13 matches, a significant boost as they aim for a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Valencia, known for his prowess on the field, scored both goals for Ecuador, marking his fourth and fifth goals in the current qualifying round. His first strike came at the 39th minute when he connected with a precise pass from Pedro Vite, finding space at the far post to unleash a powerful shot that beat Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo.
The forward doubled the lead just 26 seconds into the second half, capitalizing on a defensive error from Venezuela's Christian Cásseres. Valencia's deft touch sent the ball over Romo, leaving Ecuador fans ecstatic as their team appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable victory.
Despite their dominance, Ecuador faced a late scare when Valencia missed a penalty at the 70th minute that could have secured a hat-trick and possibly sealed the game. Romo, who previously showcased his skills by stopping a penalty against Brazil's Vinícius, guessed correctly and saved Valencia's attempt.
Hope flickered for Venezuela as they managed to score in stoppage time through Jhonder Cádiz, who capitalized on a scramble in the Ecuadorian box after a corner kick. This goal not only prevented a shutout but also highlighted Ecuador's vulnerability in the dying moments of the match.
“I’m happy to secure the three points in front of our supporters. We thank them for their continuous support,” Valencia remarked post-match. His sentiment echoed the pride of achieving a crucial victory in their quest for World Cup qualification.
As Ecuador basked in the glory of their win, they also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. Despite having started the qualifiers with a three-point penalty due to an administrative error involving Byron Castillo, their recent form has been promising. Ecuador had previously enjoyed a run of good form, with Valencia scoring in three consecutive matches against Bolivia and Colombia.
Venezuela, on the other hand, remains in a tough spot, sitting eighth in the standings with only 12 points after nine matches without a win, comprising four losses and five draws. The team, which has never qualified for a World Cup, is facing an uphill battle as they prepare to host Peru in their next outing.
In the realm of statistics, Valencia has now netted a total of 46 goals in 96 matches for Ecuador, making him the third highest scorer in the nation’s history behind Felipe Caicedo and Agustín Delgado, who have 15 and 16 goals, respectively. His exemplary performance not only showcases his talent but also his resilience, coming after his last double for the national team during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The Ecuadorian squad, managed by coach Beccacece, displayed an impressive level of control during the match, continually searching for opportunities and minimizing any threats posed by the Venezuelan side. Despite a solid defensive display, the late-stage tension proved a reminder of the need for vigilance throughout the game.
Fans in the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado witnessed an emotionally charged match, which briefly halted due to fans lighting flares, reflecting the passionate support for the home team. As the qualifying tournament progresses, each match becomes exponentially more critical, with the top six teams earning direct spots to the World Cup and the seventh entering a playoff.
With their spirits high from this recent victory, Ecuador looks ahead to their next qualifying match against Chile, while Venezuela will aim to break their winless streak when they take on Peru at home.
The road to World Cup 2026 is fraught with challenges and opportunities, and with players like Enner Valencia leading the charge, Ecuador is poised to continue their pursuit of a place in soccer history.
