The Ecuadorian team soccer team obtained a valuable 2-0 victory on Tuesday against New Zealandin a dynamic preparation match for the Andean team prior to the draw for the 2026 World Cup. Young midfielder Nilson Angulo scored the first goal of the match in the 49th minute, and Leonardo Campana extended the lead in the 83rd minute, breaking Ecuador’s bad scoring streak in recent friendly matches. Last week, Ecuador drew goalless against Canada in Toronto.
Ecuador took the field with doubts, but gradually gained confidence and controlled ball handling. However, some shots from outside the area failed to reach the rival goal. While New Zealand, which had just lost 2-1 against Colombia, put strong pressure on the Ecuadorian team, managing to complicate its players.
The match, which was played at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, was more dynamic in the second half after Ecuador scored. Angulo took advantage of the assistance of Gonzalo Plata and finished with his left foot very close to the post, encouraging the “Tricolor” players.
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New Zealand had ineffective dangerous plays in the midfield, which were insufficient to reduce the score. Ecuador knew how to take advantage of a mistake by the rival defense and Campana, with the assistance of Plata, made a shot to the center of the goal, increasing the score in their favor.
