The Subway Socceroos kick off its 2023 calendar with a pair of international friendlies against South American side Ecuador in Sydney and Melbourne.
The matches will also serve as the first time fans will be able to show their appreciation and watch their heroes on home soil after their incredible exploits at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
Current FIFA Ranking: 41
Recent FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Performance
La Tri was unable to get out of Group A, finishing in third place behind the Netherlands and Senegal, despite collecting a respectable four points. Ecuador won the opening match of the tournament 2-0 against hosts Qatar, then played out a 1-1 draw with the Oranje, before succumbing 2-1 to the West African nation.
Key Players
Enner Valencia immediately springs to mind for Ecuador. The veteran striker is the inspirational leader of the team, currently the captain and is the country’s highest-ever goal scorer with 38 in 77 caps. Valenica’s career took off in Liga MX with Pachuca, earning a move to the Premier League where he enjoyed spells at West Ham and Everton. The 33-year-old scored three goals in Qatar and his prolific form has continued this campaign with Fenerbahce.
One of the Premier League’s emerging midfielders is Moises Caicedo. The 21-year-old is experiencing a breakout season with Brighton & Hove Albion, and impressed at the recent FIFA World Cup, scoring against Senegal. Predominantly a defensive midfielder, Caicedo also has box-to-box qualities, renowned for his excellent coverage across the park and ability to break up play.
Furthermore, also plying his trade at Brighton is Pervis Estupinan. A diminutive, yet explosive left-back, Estupinan has been a revelation in his maiden campaign in the English top-flight, taking his game to another level following his arrival from Villarreal. He is not afraid to attack with his marauding runs but equally is sound defensively, making interceptions and committing strong tackles.
Previous Meeting
The two teams have encountered on one previous occasion which happened in a friendly in March 2014. Australia raced to a 3-0 lead after 32 minutes before conceding four goals in the second stanza to fall 4-3 in what was a classic case of a game of two halves.
Tim Cahill scored either side of a Mile Jedinak penalty to become the Subway Socceroos’ all-time leading scorer, surpassing Damian Mori’s 29-goal haul with a header to break the deadlock.
