Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil were held to a goalless draw by Ecuador in a tense FIFA World Cup qualifier. Ecuador extended their unbeaten run as Brazil struggled in attack. Ancelotti’s debut lacked spark, leaving Brazil with just one win in five qualifiers as pressure mounts.
One of the most eagerly awaited coaching debuts in modern international football ended with a muted outcome. Carlo Ancelotti, the legendary Italian tactician recently appointed as head coach of the Brazilian national team, watched his side stumble to a goalless draw against a disciplined Ecuadorian team in the intense heat of Guayaquil. In what was expected to be a rejuvenating start for the five-time world champions under Ancelotti’s leadership, Brazil instead struggled to impress in a match marked by cautious play and few clear-cut chances.
The match, part of the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was touted as a significant moment in Brazil’s rebuilding process. Ancelotti, who took charge last week following his departure from Real Madrid, had stressed the importance of achieving a balance between solid defending and dynamic attacking play. Despite his emphasis, Brazil failed to spark offensively, highlighting the challenges ahead for the iconic coach.
From the outset, Ecuador looked determined to extend their unbeaten run in South American qualifiers—and they did just that, making it eight matches without defeat. Under the guidance of Argentine manager Sebastián Beccacece, Ecuador showed superior tactical structure and defended resolutely, nullifying Brazil’s talented attack.
The opening half was largely a midfield battle with both teams focusing more on maintaining structure than creating scoring opportunities. Brazil’s brightest moment in the first 20 minutes came from Vinicius Junior, who latched onto a precise through ball from Gerson. However, Ecuador’s goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle was quick off his line to snuff out the danger. Casemiro also had a chance to score but failed to keep his header on target from a corner.
Ecuador, while enjoying a slight edge in possession, posed little threat to Brazil’s goal in the first half. Alisson, Brazil’s veteran goalkeeper, was largely untroubled, his only significant action a comfortable save from a long-range effort by John Yeboah.
The second half saw Ecuador increase their attacking intent. Full-back Pervis Estupiñán became more influential, delivering a dangerous cross after sprinting onto Joel Ordóñez’s volleyed pass. Casemiro was alert to clear the threat, but the signs of Ecuador’s growing momentum were clear. Shortly after, Alisson was forced to make consecutive saves, denying efforts from both Estupiñán and Yeboah as Ecuador pushed for a breakthrough.
Brazil had a rare moment of promise midway through the half when Vinicius delivered a cross that found Casemiro, whose driven effort was parried by Valle. The attack, however, lacked consistency and cohesion, a reminder that Ancelotti has only just begun to imprint his philosophy on the squad.
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In the dying minutes, Estupiñán nearly sealed a famous victory for Ecuador with a powerful strike from distance, but the shot narrowly missed the crossbar. With the final whistle, the scoreline remained 0-0—a result that serves Ecuador well, as they sit second in the 10-team CONMEBOL standings with 24 points, two ahead of Brazil, who are in fourth. Only three matchdays remain in the qualifiers.
Elsewhere in South American qualifiers, Paraguay shocked Uruguay thanks to a brilliant performance from Julio Enciso, lifting them to third in the standings. In Santiago, Argentina edged past Chile with a lone goal from Julian Alvarez, keeping their qualification hopes strong.
For Brazil, the result is a warning signal that even with a coach as decorated as Ancelotti, the road to redemption will not be immediate. With just one win in their last five qualifiers, the Selecão must quickly find consistency if they are to avoid further complications in their World Cup journey.
