Ecuador and Ivory Coast kick off their World Cup campaigns tonight at Lincoln Financial Field in Philly, both sides desperate for three points in what figures to be a cagey group-stage opener — a draw here could haunt either team come the final matchday. The Elephants come in as slight favorites, riding the momentum of their 2023 AFCON title and a well-organized defensive setup that knows how to grind out a clean sheet when the stakes are high; Ecuador, listed at +155, will look to nick something on the counter with a low block and pace up front.

The over-under sitting at just 1.5 goals tells you the books expect this one to be tight and scrappy, maybe decided by a single moment of quality in stoppage time rather than an open shootout. Bold call: Ivory Coast finds the net just once through a set piece in the second half and holds on for a 1-nil result that sends Ecuador into must-win territory.