Under new leadership with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Brazil kicked off their era with a goalless 0-0 draw against Ecuador. While Ancelotti brought changes, including Casemiro returning to the starting lineup to bolster the defense, the team struggled to convert chances on the attacking end.
Scoring against Ecuador is known to be challenging, but Brazil`s attack, particularly with players like Vinicius Junior, is typically expected to dominate teams. Despite the tactical adjustments, Casemiro surprisingly emerged as their most dangerous player, even hitting the post during the match. Brazil managed a mere three shots throughout the game, with only two on target, in stark contrast to Ecuador`s seven shots (three on target). Pervis Estupinan created several promising opportunities for Ecuador. A positive takeaway for Brazil was their clean sheet.
Many of Ecuador`s chances were relatively low quality, suggesting Ancelotti`s quick positive impact on the defense, even with limited training time. If the attack doesn`t consistently reach its potential, a solid defense becomes paramount to avoid dropping points, a necessity for navigating the expanded 2026 World Cup format. This match marked a defensive improvement, ending a streak of four consecutive games where Brazil had conceded, including a significant 4-1 loss to Argentina in March.
Securing this point brings Brazil closer to World Cup qualification ahead of their upcoming home fixture against Paraguay on Tuesday. This home game, in front of their fans, will likely be a key test for Ancelotti`s squad. A draw in Ecuador isn`t a poor outcome, but failing to secure a win at home would be disappointing. The match against Paraguay is crucial for building momentum. While the Ecuador game showed progress defensively, combining this newfound stability with a consistent attacking threat is essential for Brazil to prove their readiness for future challenges.
Dominic Ashworth