Ecuador

Why will Ecuador finish top 8 at the World Cup? Because the path is there. First, they need to beat Mexico. Tough game, but they´re well equipped for it. Ecuador defend aggressively, concede very little and don´t need many chances to win. Then likely England. On paper that´s where most people stop the run. We don´t. England will have more of the ball. Ecuador will be happy without it. Their pace in transition and physical back line make them an awkward knockout opponent, especially over 90 minutes. Win those two games and you´re in the quarter-finals. The market still prices Ecuador like a long shot. We think the path is more realistic than the odds suggest.