Ecuador beat Venezuela in World Cup qualifier

Quito, Nov 16: Ecuador dominated Venezuela 3-0 to move closer to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup and demolish whatever hopes the visitors still harboured of making the trip to Russia.

Arturo Mina opened the scoring for the hosts in the 51st minute here on Tuesday. Miller Bolaños and Enner Valencia added goals in the 82nd and 84th, respectively, reports Efe.

Ecuador bounced back from two straight losses to climb to 20 points from 12 matches, while Venezuela sits in the cellar with just 5 points.

The result leaves the Ecuadorians well placed to secure their ticket for Russia 2018 when the South American qualifiers resume next March.