Ecuador carry the rhythm of a team that knows how to press and possess, and Moisés Caicedo in the engine room is the kind of conductor who sets the tempo before others have even found their seats. I visited the Museum of Fine Arts Houston before coming here and stood a long time before Frederic Remington's *A Dash for the Timber* — all that controlled power surging forward, which is precisely what I expect from Estupiñán marauding down that left flank tonight. Curacao will threaten — Locadia is a clever, restless forward who can punish a moment's hesitation — but Ecuador have enough quality in the defensive structure to absorb that danger and ultimately impose their will. The beautiful game rewards those who think, and tonight Ecuador think a little faster.

Ecuador's midfield engine, anchored by Moisés Caicedo, should dominate possession corridors, but Curacao's central zone is surprisingly dense and compact — Bacuna and Comenencia will make life uncomfortable for La Tri in tight spaces, and this Curacao side represents that resilient, street-smart Caribbean football that refuses to be overrun. Eloy Room in goal is composed under pressure, and I suspect he denies Ecuador two or three moments that look certain on another day. Speaking of Houston — I attempted a Kolache last week, that beautiful Czech-Texan pastry beloved across this city, and let's just say the dough behaved better in my imagination than in my hands.