The Real Madrid winger helped his team win against Ecuador (1-0).
Brazil returned to winning ways in South American World Cup qualifying with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Friday thanks to a first-half goal from Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
After a first series of three consecutive defeats in qualifying, Brazil had to settle for a victory that allows the five-time world champions to climb to fourth place in the standings with 10 points. They are eight points behind leaders Argentina and only two points behind sixth-placed Ecuador, with the last place guaranteeing participation in the final phase of the 2026 edition.
Difficulty getting opportunities
In their first match after a disappointing Copa America quarter-final defeat to Uruguay, Brazil once again delivered a mixed performance, dominating possession but failing to create any clear-cut chances throughout the game. Brazil misfired too many passes and struggled to connect in attack, lacking the ideas to beat Ecuador’s rock-solid defensive block.
Brazil’s only two shots on target in the first half came from Rodrygo, who, after hitting the keeper’s hands on an early free-kick, had the chance to open the scoring in the 29th minute. His shot from the edge of the box was deflected by a defender and rounded the opposition goalkeeper before hitting the right post and finding the back of the net.
Vinicius absent from the debates
Ecuador nearly equalised on a counter-attack just before half-time, but defender Gabriel Magalhaes blocked Moises Caicedo’s effort on the goal line in the last minute.
The Brazilians came back even worse in the second half, with an uninspired Vinicius Jr, author of their only shot on target during an absolutely gloomy 45 minutes, which were greeted by boos at the final whistle.
“We needed this win, no matter how ugly it was or not. I’m happy with the win and to have scored, and I hope it will help us improve and progress to the level we want to reach in the future.”Rodrygo told Brazilian television Globo.
