Tuesday's match between Ecuador and Senegal at the Khalifa International Stadium will likely be a winner-take-all affair as both teams are vying for a spot in the World Cup's knockout rounds. Ecuador have mainly been impressive in the FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup with a win over the host nation on the opening day of the tournament before holding the Netherlands to a draw on their match day 2. Senegal on the other hand registered their first win over Qatar on match day 2 following their defeat in the hands of Netherlands on match day 1. Ecuador have enjoyed an excellent start to World Cup Group A so far and are second on the table with four points from their two matches played, which has put them within touching distance of the last 16.

Ecuador's coach Gustavo Alfaro has been lauded around the world for his tactical capability, setting up his side with a balance to attack with fluency and also defend in numbers when needed. Enner Valencia, Ecuador's star player, scored twice against Qatar on matchday one to help his team win 2-0. Enner Valencia again emerged as the team's hero in their second match against the Netherlands, where he scored in the 49th minute to equalize Cody Gakpo's incredible opening goal and secure a draw for Ecuador. Unsurprisingly, talisman Valencia leads the World Cup scoring charts with three goals. Should he be deemed fit for the game, Valencia will be highly relied upon once again tonight against a difficult Senegal defence.

If Ecuador earns all three points, they will advance to the tournament's knockout round and may win Group A if their performance surpasses that of the Netherlands, who will play Qatar, the tournament's hosts, at the same time. Senegal have also given themselves a fighting chance of qualifying from Group A, owing to their classy victory over Qatar on matchday 2 of the World Cup. Senegal defeated Qatari opponents in a ruthless performance, 3-1, at the Al Thumama Stadium thanks to goals from Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, and Bamba Dieng. After a devastating late loss to the Netherlands in their opening Group A match, this victory over Qatar was unquestionably crucial to their chances of progressing to the last 16.

The Senegalese, however, once again will have to contend without their star man, Sadio Mane who was ruled out of the world cup following an injury he picked up while playing for Bayern Munich just before the world cup break. Senegal's chances of winning the tournament realistically rest on their ability to defeat Ecuador, as even a draw might likely end their dreams of world cup glory. 
 

The game might end in a 1-1 draw.

(Image: Khel now)