New Delhi: Argentina are in real danger of missing out on the World Cup after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador in Quito.
Argentina knew that a positive result would steer them closer towards the World Cup and they started strongly against Ecuador.
In the 4th minute Carlos Tevez was sent through on goal but his weak shot was blocked by Ecuador goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga.
Five minutes later Lionel Messi breezed through a number of players with incredible skill and he fed Maxi Rodriguez who came from an offside position.
Minutes later Gabriel Heinze swung a perfect left-wing cross into Messi's path, but the Barcelona attacker shot wide.
Ecuador had to wait 22 minutes for their first shot at goal and it was a powerful drive from Jefferson Montero that flew over the crossbar.
In the 28th minute Elizaga brought Carlos Tevez down in the area with a violent lunge. Tevez picked himself up and stepped up to the penalty spot, but his weak effort was saved by Elizaga.
It seemed like the penalty awakened Ecuador as they began to dominate Argentina with swift attacking football and came close to scoring with a long-range Luis Valencia drive.
Five minutes before the break the ever-lively Messi went on another dazzling run down the right flank but his final effort hit the side netting.
The second period began with a frantic pace as both teams tried to dominate the midfield.
As the half progressed Ecuador proved superior to their opponents, but although they looked dangerous when moving forward they could barely create a decent attack.
Argentina had a clear opportunity to break the deadlock in the 14th minute of the half when a Heinze cross was pushed into the path of Fernando Gago, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Elizaga.
Two minutes later a powerful Walter Ayovi drive breezed past Andujar's left post.
By this stage Ecuador was completely on top, as Argentina seemed to have tired from the high altitude at the Atahualpa stadium.
After much pressure in the 71st minute Ayovi finally put Ecuador ahead with a spectacular long-range missile that left Andujar with no chance.
Diego Maradona brought on Juan Sebastian Veron to add some depth to Argentina's midfield, but the Estudiantes captain couldn't inspire his team.
Palacios doubled Ecuador's lead in the 83rd minute when he took advantage of a lapse of concentration in the Argentina defence with a well-placed shot.
Towards the end of the game Ecuador continued to pressure Argentina and they came close to a third goal when a Joffre Guerron shot hit the post.
Team Line-ups
Ecuador: Martin Elizaga, Giovanny Espinoza, Neicer Reasco, Walter Ayovi, Ivan Hurtado, Edison Mendez, Luis Valencia, Segundo Castillo, Cristian Noboa (Pablo Palacios 45'), Carlos Tenorio (Jefferson Montero 13') and Felipe Caicedo (Joffre Guerron 78').
Argentina: Mariano Andujar, Javier Zanetti, Gabriel Heinze (Diego Milito 82'), Martin Demichelis, Nicolas Otamendi, Maxi Rodriguez, Sebastian Battaglia, Fernando Gago (Juan Sebastian Veron 74'), Jonas Gutierrez, Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez (Gonzalo Bergessio 66').
Goals: Walter Ayovi (71') and Pablo Palacios (83')
Referee: Carlos Chandia (Chile)
Venue: Olimpico Atahualpa
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