Ecuador's narrow victory over Argentina in the World Cup South American Qualification was a display of tactical discipline and opportunistic play. The only goal came early in the match, seven minutes into the first half, capitalizing on a crucial moment when Ecuador's offense broke down the Argentine defense. Despite being outnumbered in corner kicks 2 to 8, Ecuador's ability to convert one of their few opportunities into a goal was pivotal. This goal not only set the tone for the match but also forced Argentina to alter their game plan to chase an equalizer.

Both teams exhibited aggressive defensive strategies, which is evident from the high number of fouls and yellow cards on both sides. Ecuador committed 12 fouls, only slightly more than Argentina's 11, indicating a scrappy contest in the middle of the park. The match saw three yellow cards for each team, reflecting the physical nature of the game. The early yellow card for Argentina might have disrupted their defensive approach, leading them to adopt a more cautious playstyle as the game progressed.

The red cards issued to both teams significantly influenced the game's dynamics. Each side finished with ten men, which intensified the focus on maintaining defensive solidity while finding opportunities on the counterattack. The home team's ability to maintain their early lead can be attributed to effective teamwork and disciplined defending, which stifled Argentina's usually potent attack. Despite Argentina's higher number of corner kicks, Ecuador's defense stood firm and prevented any successful set-piece conversions, ultimately securing a crucial victory in their qualification campaign.

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