Ecuador qualified for their fifth World Cup in seven attempts in style and this is despite the fact that they started the campaign with a three point deduction due to administrative issues. Ecuador lost the fewest games of all the sides in South American qualifying in their away matches to Argentina and Brazil on their way to finishing second in the table. They conceded only five goals in total in 18 games in what was by far the best defensive display in the campaign. In the Copa America two years ago, Ecuador faced eventual champions Argentina in the Quarter Finals and were knocked out in a penalty shootout. They were the only side to not lose a game in 120 minutes at the tournament. Despite picking up four points in the group stages of the World Cup four years ago, they failed to qualify out of the group but this time around, they may feel confident of escaping for the first time in twenty years.