A penalty for each team ensured these South American neighbours began the campaign with a point each.
Colombia were without their star man James Rodriguez: the Porto attacking midfielder is struggling with injury but highly-rated Edwin Cardona and Michael Ortega were both in the starting XI. Ecuador’s most promising squad-member Juan Cazares was present for them.
The number 11s from both teams came close inside 25 minutes: Marcos Caicedo had a good effort from a free-kick before Fabián Castillo hit the post for Colombia. On the half hour mark Edson Montaño won a penalty for Ecuador: he controlled the ball well inside the area and was about to take it past the goalkeeper who fouled him in the process, right decision. Cazares sent the keeper the wrong way and slid the ball into the bottom right.
After conceding Colombia started to play better and missed a couple of chances to equalise before the break. They began the second half in similar fashion; Ortega delivered a good corner which was headed narrowly wide. With 20 minutes remaining Colombia got the equaliser they deserved but from a penalty that should never have been. Cardona dispatched it in cool fashion, side footing into the bottom left hand corner.
Colombia had more chances before the final whistle including one or two goalmouth scrambles but were unable to find the winner that their performance probably deserved.
Players to look out for next time
Colombia
Edwin Cardona (Atlético Nacional): Was never too shy to attempt a difficult ball and whilst a lot of what he tried did not come off today, he should be looked at carefully in the next few games.
Michael Ortega (Atlas): Probably Colombia’s best player in this game. Most attacks came through him, his passing was sound and he looks capable of providing many assists this tournament.
Fabián Castillo (Deportivo Cali): Like Cardona, a lot of what he tried did not work. Still he enjoyed a lot of time on the ball down the left hand side and occasionally looked very dangerous.
Santiago Arias (La Equidad): Had a good game defensively and occasionally made effective contributions to attacks. Came very close with a curling effort from just outside the area.
Ecuador
Juan Cazares (River Plate): Looks to be the most technically gifted in the Ecuador team. Passed the ball well but will want to improve shot accuracy next game.
Marcos Caicedo (Emelec): Caused Colombia more problems than anyone else, his pace and dribbling was a constant threat, Ecuador’s man of the match.
Edson Montaño (Gent): Did very well to win the penalty that won his side a point in the end. Will hopefully contribute more next time.
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