Brazil vs. Ecuador: Rodrigo came to the rescue as Brazil defeated Ecuador 1-0 in CONMEBOL World Cup Match Succeeding on Friday evening.
The Selecao were tested deeply by Moises Caicedo and La Tricolor, but the Real Madrid star’s unbelievable first-half goal made all the difference.
Rodrygo opener, and finally the winner, arrived in the 30th minute off a Lucas Paqueta assist. The winger received the ball on his left foot, switched to his right, and fired a 20-yard strike past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net, giving the Selecao a 1-0 lead.
After a disappointing showing at Copa America 2024, where Brazil exited in the quarterfinals, Dorival Junior’s side bounced back with a win in front of their home fans.
Ecuador didn’t make it easy for the home side, though. The visitors’ best chance came in first-half stoppage time when Chelsea midfielder Caicedo found himself 1v1 with Alisson. However, the Liverpool shot-stopper came up big with a massive save to deny him. That was the last significant chance for La Tricolor.
With the three points, the Selecao move up the CONMEBOL WCQ standings to 10 points, leapfrogging La Tricolor and Venezuela from seventh to fourth place. After seven matches in the 2026 cycle, they now sit on 10 points.
Brazil returns to the pitch on Tuesday as they look to safe six points from two matches, with Paraguay hosting the Selecao in their next World Cup Qualifier.
GOAL rates Brazil’s players from Estádio Major Antônio Couto Pereira.
Brazil vs. Ecuador
Goalkeeper & Defense;
Alisson (8/10):
Brilliant save in first half, the difference between one and three points.
Danilo (8/10):
Was slinging the ball on a platter all evening, with some sensational cross-field switches and crosses. Won 100% of his aerial duels, as well.
Marquinhos (6/10):
A veteran performance. He didn’t stand out by any means, but was composed when called upon.
Gabriel (8/10):
Exceptional in and around the box, including a goal-line clearance in the first half. Really impressive.
Guilherme Arana (6/10):
Didn’t link with the attack much, but were defensively sound and a reliable outlet when passing out of the back.
Midfield;
Andre (7/10):
A surprise start for the Wolves youngster, he impressed in place of Joao Gomes. He challenged Caicedo all night long and held a feisty Kendry Paez quiet in the second half
Bruno Guimaraes (6/10):
Really struggled learning a new midfield partner in Andre, and didn’t look too comfortable next to him. Not his best day. Subbed off midway through second half.
Lucas Paqueta (7/10):
Cheeky assist on Rodrygo goal. Was slinging passes all night? Top performance.
Attack;
Rodrygo (8/10):
Lovely footwork to create the opener was a threat in and around the box all night. A lively performance.
Vinicius Junior (6/10):
A really quiet night for the Madrid star. Couldn’t get anything going, looked rather uncomfortable all evening.
Luiz Henrique (5/10):
Struggled to notice he was on the pitch. Failed to make anything of the opportunity handed to him.
Subs & Manager;
Estevao William (6/10):
The Chelsea-bound starlet made his international debut for the Selecao off the bench in the 62nd minute, completing 12/12 passes. He was quietly composed and looked the part, too.
Lucas Moura (N/A):
Introduced with 15 minutes to spare. Replaced Paqueta.
Wendell (N/A):
Replaced Arana late, a like-for-like change.
Joao Gomes (N/A):
Subbed on for Andre with minutes to spare.
Gerson (6/10):
Replaced Guimaraes in the 62nd minute, put in a solid shift off the bench.
Dorival Junior (6/10):
It wasn’t a blistering performance from the Selecao, but they earned three points, and in the grand scheme of things, that’s all that mattered Friday evening. The defense was rock-solid, but the midfield lacked a sense of union, struggling to connect with the front-three. Dorival should be ecstatic to claim victory, but he should know it was nowhere near their best.
