Real Madrid forward Rodrygo’s first-half goal gave Brazil a dull 1-0 victory over Ecuador on Friday to get back to winning ways in the South American World Cup qualifiers.
Brazil performed admirably to secure the victory that moved the faltering five-time World Cup champions to fourth place in the standings with 10 points, following their first run of defeats in three straight qualifiers.
They are only two points behind Ecuador in sixth place, which guarantees a position in the 2026 finals, and eight points behind leaders Argentina.
Playing their first game since a depressing quarterfinal Copa America loss to Uruguay, Brazil once again put on a dismal show, controlling possession but unable to generate clear opportunities.
Brazil struggled to connect up front and mishandled too many passes, running out of ideas on how to get past Ecuador’s impenetrable defensive line.
With three diligent attackers, Ecuador applied a physical and aggressive pressure high that was unrelenting and unsettling to the locals whenever the ball was put into play.
Brazil was also forced to move the ball horizontally within their penalty area and rely on long-range attacks because they had very little space to enter their box.
Rodrygo, who had earlier stung the goalkeeper’s hands with a free kick, had Brazil’s only two efforts on goal in the first half. Fortunately, Brazil broke the deadlock in the 29th minute.
His attempt, which came from the edge of the box, ricocheted off a defender and looped past the unsighted goalie before striking the right post and going in.
Just before the half, Ecuador nearly equalized on a counterattack, but Gabriel Magalhaes, the defender, stopped Moises Caicedo’s shot with a last-second goal-line clearing.
Brazil’s comeback was even worse in the second half, with boos accompanying the final whistle and an uninspired Vinicius Jr. producing their lone on-target attempt in a completely depressing forty-five minutes.
“Whether it was a pretty victory or not, we needed it. I’m pleased with the win and my goal, and I believe it will help us improve and get to the point where we want to be.
going on “Rodrygo stated to Globo, a Brazilian TV station.
On Tuesday, Brazil will play Paraguay in Asuncion, and on Monday, Ecuador will host Peru in Quito.
