Ecuador closed its World Cup preparation with the kind of result that calms nerves and lifts the country’s mood. La Tri beat Guatemala 3-0 at Scotts Miracle Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio and ended its friendly schedule with controlled patience and sharper finishing after the break.
Jordy Caicedo opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Nilson Angulo added the second. Then Pervis Estupiñán sealed the night with a long range strike that gave Ecuadorian fans one last reason to smile before the real test begins.
A Final Test That Felt Useful for Ecuador
Friendly matches can mislead. They can look easy one minute and messy the next. This one still gave Ecuador useful signs before the World Cup. The team moved the ball with purpose and used the wide areas well. When Guatemala tried to sit deeper Ecuador kept looking for the next pass instead of forcing every attack through the middle.
That mattered. In a short tournament calm possession often counts as much as speed. Ecuador did not need to rush. It controlled the rhythm, waited for space and punished mistakes when the game opened up. The score also helped the mood around La Tri 9. A 3-0 win does not answer every question before a World Cup. it does send the squad into the opener with confidence.
Caicedo Opens the Scoring After Minda Wins the Penalty
Ecuador found the first breakthrough early enough to shape the match. Alan Minda attacked the area with intent and won a penalty after contact inside the box. Jordy Caicedo took responsibility from the spot. He kept the finish clean and gave Ecuador the 1-0 lead in the 19th minute.
That goal changed the tone. Guatemala had to step out more while Ecuador gained room to move between lines. From that point, La Tri looked more comfortable in possession.
Arévalo Comes Close Before the Break
Ecuador nearly doubled the lead just before halftime. Jeremy Arévalo made one of the sharpest individual actions of the first half. He carried the ball into the box, slipped away from defenders and finished past the goalkeeper. The shot, though, struck the post.
It was a missed chance but it also showed what Ecuador wanted from the match. The younger attackers did not hide. They asked for the ball and kept testing Guatemala’s back line.
Angulo Turns Ecuador’s Control Into a Second Goal
The second half finally gave Ecuador the cushion it deserved. In the 73rd minute Ángelo Preciado joined the attack from the right and delivered a dangerous ball into the area. Nilson Angulo read the play well. He arrived in the right place and finished to make it 2-0. The goal felt important for two reasons. First it rewarded Ecuador’s pressure. Second it gave Angulo a strong moment before the World Cup 2026 where every attacking option matters.
Estupiñán Seals It From Distance
The third goals came quickly and gave the match its highlight. Guatemala lost control near its own goal after a rushed defensive action. Pervis Estupiñán reacted first. From long range, he saw the opening and struck the ball toward an exposed goal. The finish made it 3-0 and closed the match in style. For Ecuador it was more than a nice goal. It showed alertness confidence and a willingness to take the shot when the chance appeared.
What This Win Says About La Tri?
Ecuador did not play a perfect match. Few teams do in a final warm-up. The performance carried several positives. The defensive line kept the match under control for long spells. The midfield helped Ecuador recover second balls. The attack also found different routes to the goal.
That variety could matter in the group stage. Ecuador will not face the same type of match every night. Some opponents will press high. Others will defend deep. Against Guatemala, La Tri showed it can stay patient and still find openings. The result also kept attention on the group as a whole. Caicedo, Angulo and Estupiñán scored, but the wider message was clear.
Ecuador has depth, energy and a squad that looks ready to compete. The friendly cycle is over. Ecuador turns fully toward its 2026 World Cup opener against Ivory Coast in Group E. That match will demand more than control. It will ask for clean decisions under pressure, sharp defending and better use of every chance in the final third. The win over Guatemala gives La Tri a good final feeling. Ecuador scored 3 kept the opponent quiet and left Columbus with momentum.
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