BRAZIL are up against Ecuador in a 2022 World Cup qualifying game ahead of their Copa America campaign this summer.
Argentina and Colombia pulled out of hosting the tournament because of problems with Covid, leaving Brazil to step in and save the day, making them even bigger favourites to win it all.
However, the tournament in Brazil could also be a doubt, with the Europe-based players in Tite’s squad considering a boycott.
- Brazil vs Ecuador kicks off at 1.30am UK time in the early hours of Saturday, June 5.
- Brazil vs Ecuador will be shown live on Premier Sports.
- You can subscribe to Premier Sports for £11.99 a month by clicking HERE.
- The game is available for live streaming from the Premier Player, which can be downloaded onto your mobile or tablet device.
MATCH REPORT
Richarlison rode to Brazil’s rescue to sink Ecuador before a late penalty farce.
The Everton striker, 24, fired Tite’s men to a fifth straight World Cup qualifying victory when they looked like being shut out.
Brazil were lacklustre all night in their first game for seven months after March’s fixtures were cancelled due to Covid travel problems.
But Richarlison’s left-foot rocket sent them on their way to three points and moved them four clear of second-placed Argentina.
Neymar added a late second from the spot after a dubious VAR call and an even more controversial decision to retake.
Gabriel Jesus was initially adjudged to have fouled Angelo Preciado, but replays showed the foul was on the Man City man.
PSG striker Neymar stepped up but his awful spot-kick was easily saved by goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.
But the Ecuador stopper was inches off his line, if that, and Neymar was given another chance to convert.
Dominguez was shown a yellow card for his furious protests and Neymar slotted home at the second attempt to breathe a sigh of relief.
Tite’s men stayed on course to reach Qatar 2022 amid a backdrop of Copa America chaos with the tournament due to start next week in major doubt.
Brazilian players are reportedly ready to boycott the event that was moved to their country from Argentina and Colombia at just two weeks’ notice.
READ THE FULL REPORT HERE
.Credit: Getty ON THE HORIZON
There’s another round of qualifiers in South America to come before the Copa America.
Here’s what’s on the menu for Tuesday night into Wednesday (UK times)…
. THE TABLE
Here’s what that result does to the standings.
Brazil are four points clear after five wins from five.
NEYM OF THE GAME
Here’s the second goal again.
Neymar very lucky to be given another chance there after an awful spot-kick.
FT: BRAZIL 2-0 ECUADOR
Brazil get the win in the end. It’s five from five in World Cup qualifying for them and they’re well on their way to Qatar 2022.
But that was a bit of a mess at the end.
Richarlison and Neymar with the goals – Brazil get the three points.
GOALLLLLLLLL!!!!
And this time he scores. Sends the goalkeeper the wrong way.
2-0 to Brazil. That is harsh on Ecuador.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
90, It’s a retake. This is a bit of a farce.
Dominguez was off his line apparently. It was mighty close but it didn’t really matter, he gained nothing from being two inches off his line as the penalty was so poor.
The goalkeeper is booked for his protests.
SAVEDDDD!!!!
Awful penalty from Neymar. Low and nowhere near the corner.
Dominguez saved it easily.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
88, PENALTY BRAZIL!
The referee gave it the other way at first for a foul on Jesus, but he’s overturned his decision.
Jesus was caught by Preciado.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
86, We have a VAR check for a penalty…
It was for a challenge from Angelo Preciado on Gabriel Jesus.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
83, The sting looks to have gone out of Ecuador now.
Brazil are still pushing for this second goal but not with any great urgency.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
76, Here comes Firmino, that was Barbosa’s last act.
This game has suddenly come to life.
.Credit: Reuters BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
75, How have Brazil not scored there? What on earth is the goalkeeper doing? Is this the same game I was watching for an hour?
Dominguez came charge off his line and was beaten to it by Richarlison.
The Everton forward just got his cross in before the ball went out and Barbosa launched himself at it.
But, with an open net gaping, he glanced it wide of the far post.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
73, Yellow card for Eder Militao. The fifth of the night.
A cynical attempt to stop an Ecuador counter-attack as he brings down Angelo Preciado.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
73, CHANCE for Barbosa… saved by Dominguez.
Really good work by Jesus and Barbosa to create the opening and Barbosa tried to slide it into the far corner.
Dominguez saved it with his outstretched right boot.
Chances coming freely now.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
72, Jesus cuts inside from the left flank and fires in a shot.
It’s saved at the near post by Dominguez.
Good stuff from the Man City striker.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
70, Marquinhos searching for Brazil’s second… but his header goes sailing over.
Here’s the Richarlison goal…
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
68, Reckless challenge on Jesus by Ayrton Preciado and he’s into the book as well.
Ecuador just losing it a touch now.
BRAZIL 1-0 ECUADOR
64, And finally we have a goal.
Neymar slid in Richarlison and the Everton man fired it in hard and low.
Too much power on that shot and Dominguez can’t keep it out at his near post.
Brazil lead.
GOALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!
Richarlison makes the breakthrough. 1-0 to Brazil!
BRAZIL 0-0 ECUADOR
64, Shot from Neymar… held by Dominguez.
Tough chance that for the PSG man, on the turn and off balance from the edge of the area as it ricocheted his way off Richarlison.
Better from Brazil.
BRAZIL 0-0 ECUADOR
62, And a change for Brazil.
Fred is off and on comes Gabriel Jesus.
Man Utd man Fred was lucky to escape a second yellow card moments earlier.
More attacking impetus for Brazil now… maybe.
BRAZIL 0-0 ECUADOR
60, An hour gone. Probably one of the least memorable hours of football I’ve seen.
Surely time for some changes soon for Brazil? Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Vinicius Jr all on the bench and eager to make a difference.
BRAZIL 0-0 ECUADOR
57, Pinball in the Brazil penalty area from a corner leads to a shot from Angelo Preciado.
But he blazes it over from 15 yards. High, wide and not very handsome.
.Credit: AFP BRAZIL 0-0 ECUADOR
55, Enner Valencia goes into the book.
A foul on Danilo and the referee shows him a yellow card.
The third booking of the game. More cards than chances.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
