Carlo Ancelotti’s first match in charge of Brazil didn’t go as planned, as his team were held to a 0-0 draw by Ecuador in World Cup qualifying. The result means Ecuador have now gone 14 games without losing at home to Brazil.
Ecuador had some problems before kick-off, with key striker Enner Valencia out and goalkeeper Hernan Galindez getting injured during the warm-up. This meant Gonzalo Valle had to make his senior debut in goal. Despite this, neither Valle nor Brazil’s keeper Alisson had much to do in a quiet and cautious first half, during which Ecuador kept most of the ball.
Brazil nearly punished Ecuador for a mistake when Pervis Estupiñán was caught in possession by Estevão. Gerson passed to Vinícius Júnior, but Valle came off his line quickly to block the shot. Casemiro, back in the Brazil team, headed wide soon after. Ecuador’s only effort on target before half-time came from John Yeboah, but it was an easy save for Alisson.
The second half wasn’t much better. With very few chances and little attacking quality from either team, the first real shot of the half didn’t come until the 67th minute, again from Yeboah, and again straight at Alisson.
Ecuador looked slightly more confident, but Brazil offered little going forward. One of their better chances came when Vinícius cut the ball back to Casemiro, but the midfielder’s low shot was easily saved. At the other end, Alisson had to dive to stop a powerful shot from Estupiñán late on.
In the end, both sides had to settle for a draw. Brazil have now won just one of their last five qualifiers, but they’re still in a strong position to reach the World Cup. Ecuador, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last 14 home qualifiers and look likely to qualify for the finals once again.
