Did Ancelotti's Brazil Underperform in Goalless Draw Against Ecuador?

Guayaquil, June 6 (NationPress) One of the most awaited coaching debuts in the realm of international football concluded in disappointment. Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil struggled significantly in a goalless draw against Sebastian Beccacece’s Ecuador.

In a match characterized by a mere five shots on target, Ecuador has now extended its unbeaten streak in South American qualifiers to eight matches. Brazil, on the other hand, is still on the hunt for consistency, having achieved only one victory in their last five qualifiers.

Ancelotti, who recently took the helm of the five-time world champions after departing from Real Madrid, highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between offense and defense prior to the match held in the coastal city of Guayaquil, as reported by Xinhua.

Although Brazil appeared solid defensively, the squad lacked attacking creativity, despite having talents like Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid and the Chelsea-bound Estevao from Palmeiras.

The first half saw few clear opportunities, with both teams focusing on territorial control rather than offensive thrust.

Brazil came closest to scoring in the opening 20 minutes when Ecuador’s goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle rushed off his line to thwart Vinicius after a clever pass from Gerson.

Casemiro then had a chance to give Brazil the lead, but his header went over the crossbar following a corner.

Before halftime, Ecuador had a slight edge in possession but posed little threat to Alisson, whose only first-half task was a routine save from John Yeboah’s long-range attempt.

The hosts demonstrated why they possess the best defensive record in South American qualifying, effectively stifling Brazil's attack after the interval.

Beccacece's squad began to exploit more offensive opportunities, with Pervis Estupinan making a dangerous cross after racing onto Joel Ordonez’s volleyed pass, which Casemiro cleared.

Alisson was tested twice in quick succession, making saves from efforts by Yeboah and Estupinan.

Brazil's first genuine chance of the second half arose when Casemiro forced a smart save from Valle after a cross from Vinicius.

Estupinan continued to pose a threat, nearly netting a late winner with a long-range strike that just flew over the bar.

This result keeps Ecuador in second place in the 10-team CONMEBOL standings with 24 points, two ahead of fourth-placed Brazil, with three matchdays left.

In other news from CONMEBOL qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Julio Enciso shone as Paraguay defeated Uruguay to ascend to third, while Julian Alvarez netted the solitary goal in Argentina's victory over Chile.