Piero Hincapie provided an assist in Ecuador’s win over Costa Rica overnight, as well as helping the team to keep a clean sheet.
Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie made a start for Ecuador against Costa Rica on Friday night, or the early hours of Saturday morning in UK time.
It was an impactful appearance, as the 24-year-old set up his team’s opening goal with a wonderful assist in the 22nd minute.
Receiving the ball on the left-hand side near the halfway line, Hincapie spotted a gap in the opposition defence, and he slid a pass through to Jordy Caicedo. The striker rounded the goalkeeper and scored for 1-0.
Hincapie almost repeated the same assist later in the half, with a very similar pass from a similar situation only narrowly failing to find the striker on that occasion.
The defender then could have scored a goal of his own, early in the second half, forcing one of the saves of the match with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.
At the other end, Hincapie did a good job of helping Ecuador to hold out until the 68th minute, at which point Costa Rica were reduced to 10 men and their hopes of a result began to fade.
A Moises Caicedo penalty made sure of the 2-0 win in the latter stages, with Hincapie coming off shortly after that in the 85th minute.
Hincapie has had some injury difficulties this season, only starting three matches for Arsenal in all competitions even when he’s been fit. So the Gunners will be glad to see him getting 85 minutes and playing well.
Ecuador are in action once more before the international break ends, facing Bolivia on Tuesday night.
- Arsenal international provides fantastic assist in Ecuador winPiero Hincapie provided an assist in Ecuador’s win over Costa Rica overnight, as well as helping the team to keep a clean sheet.
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