Enner Valencia propels Ecuador nearer to World Cup qualification with victory over Venezuela

Venezuela’s winless streak extended to seven matches in FIFA World Cup Qualifying after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against an Enner Valencia-led Ecuador at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado.

The hosts, eager to build on their recent back-to-back victories in the qualification round, quickly took command of the match. They thought they had scored early when Pedro Vite’s deft header set up Enner Valencia for a seemingly easy finish, but to everyone’s shock, he sent his effort crashing into the side netting.

Salomon Rondon then gave a sign of intent with a header that just grazed the post shortly afterwards, yet it remained Venezuela’s only genuine opportunity of the first half as they were largely confined to their own half. Valencia remained a constant threat, narrowly missing the target with another shot, and it was third time lucky for him just before half-time.

With the odds stacked against him in terms of angle, it did not appear to be a prime opportunity, but he ingeniously struck the ball into the ground, which caused it to arc over Rafael Romo, igniting jubilation among the home supporters.

Fernando Batista sought to turn the tide at the break with a double substitution, but his plans quickly crumbled as his side conceded again right from the resumption when Valencia capitalised on a defensive lapse, deftly chipping the ball over Romo with a stunning finish. Rondon had another opportunity to bring Venezuela back into contention, but he was thwarted by Hernán Galíndez. Meanwhile, Romo redeemed himself by saving a penalty to deny Valencia a hat-trick following a foul he had committed.

Venezuela faced an uphill battle against an Ecuadorian defence that had only conceded four goals in 13 qualifying matches this campaign, and although Jhonder Cadiz’s injury-time goal added a hint of drama, it was ultimately too little, too late as the hosts secured a crucial victory.

Despite having three points deducted, Ecuador climbed to second in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings and appear well-positioned to make it to the World Cup in 2026. In contrast, Venezuela now finds themselves needing to aim for a playoff spot, sitting just one point behind Colombia in sixth.