A welcome success for the five-time world champions after four matches without a win in these qualifiers, including three defeats in the last three days. The Brazilians did not dispel doubts, however, at the end of an unspectacular match, with a Vinicius lacking inspiration. But they ensured the essential by returning to victory in the first match after the elimination in the quarter-finals of the Copa América on penalties by Uruguay, in July, and the first outing on Brazilian soil under the orders of coach Dorival Junior.
At the Couto Pereira stadium in Curitiba, fans held up signs reading “Vini Ballon d’Or”, hoping to see the Real Madrid star become the first Brazilian to win the individual trophy since Kaka in 2007. But Vinicius was rather awkward, missing three clear chances (12th, 65th and 72nd). And it was another Madrid player who shone against Ecuador: Rodrygo, often overshadowed by other Real stars and not included in the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or revealed on Wednesday.
Lucas Moura has made his return to the national team
Playing as a free agent, number 10 on his back, the 23-year-old forward confirmed Brazil’s dominance with a splendid strike from the edge of the area, after a swaying dribble that left a defender standing (29th minute). Nicknamed “O Raio” (the lightning) since his debut at Santos, the club of “King” Pelé, he celebrated his goal by jumping with his point raised, like his glorious elder. Rodrygo almost doubled the lead five minutes later, on a one-two with Vinicius.
Brazil still had a few scares. On a counter-attack just before the break, Ecuadorian star Caicedo came up against goalkeeper Alisson, then defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who saved on the line. Coming on at half-time, Kendry Paez also nearly equalised (68th), with a shot blocked in extremis by André.
The entries of the nugget Estevao, 17 years old for his first cap, and the former Parisian Lucas Moura, back in the selection after six years of absence, did not allow to brighten up a dull second period during which boos were heard at times in the stands of the Couto Pereira stadium.
- RMC Sport
