Brazil vs Ecuador LIVE Score and Commentary Copa America 2021
Brazil vs Ecuador LIVE Score and Commentary, Copa America 2021 Notifications New User posted their first comment this is comment text Approve Reject & ban Delete Logout
For the time being though, this is me looking forward to a few hours of sleep in the wee hours of the morning. I'm , and it's been a pleasure bringing you live coverage of this match. Until next time (probably tomorrow), cheers and have a good night! Ecuador have nullified most of our predictions with their robust stand, and Brazil remain unbeaten in the Copa America. This tournament can produce a few surprises, and Ecuador will have to bank on a few more upsets to make their mark. Brazil, on the other hand, will hope that they've exhausted all their shocks and will be intent on making the remainder of the tournament as predictable and comfortable as possible. Brazil will not be too displeased with the draw and have already ticked most of their boxes in the campaign. Tite's charges have finished at the top of their group and managed to rest their best players in the game tonight.
Neymar found himself on the bench for the entirety of the game and Brazil seemed fairly innocuous and harmless without him on the pitch. Not a particularly good sign for the Selecao, but their talisman is sure to be back for the quarterfinals. The biggest talking point from this game, however, is Ecuador's second half performance. A resilient, gritty display from a team that refused to give up and, in the process, held on to keep Brazil at bay. Ecuador, despite not winning a single game get the best out of Venezuela in which El Vinotinto have had a valiant tournament dealing with a lot of COVID-19 cases which saw their team become depleted.
Even if Brazil weren’t at full strength in this one, they are still formidable.- Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) Brazil dominated the first half and took the lead through Eder Militao, and Ecuador's misery was further exacerbated by an injury to Moises Caicedo. The half-time team talk must have certainly helped, however, as Ecuador emerged from the tunnel a renewed force. Ecuador have pulled off one of the most important results in their recent history tonight, and have qualified for the quarterfinals of Copa America 2021 after a brilliant second half against Brazil. FULL TIME: Brazil 1-1 Ecuador 90 + 5' Brazil with one last opportunity, but Ecuador hold their ground. Angel Mena is down with a cramp at the moment. This will likely result in a few more seconds of added time.
90 + 4' Arbeloda steps up with another clearance as Ecuador repel Brazil's relentless attacks. Ecuador are only moments away from a crucial point. 90 + 2' Ecuador now have all their men behind the ball. Brazil are pushing forward to keep their winning streak intact, but Ecuador have all hands on deck. Five minutes of stoppage-time. Peru are still ahead in Brasilia, and Ecuador are through to the knock-outs as it stands. 90' Richarlison rides a few challenges and pulls off a good cross, but Ecuador are defending with their lives. The ball is now behind for a corner. 88' Campana! Ecuador's brazen confidence seems to be paying off, with Estupinan enjoying himself on the left. His cross finds Campana, but the substitute is unable to get his header on target. 86' CHANCE FOR ECUADOR! Jhegson Mendez finds Preciado with a brilliant pass, but his low drilled cross does not find any takers in the penalty area. Ecuador have been exceptional in the second half. 84' Leonardo Campana is on for Enner Valencia, Mario Pineida replaces Angel Preciado.
Ecuador use the stoppage to make a few changes. 83' Yellow card for Pervis Estupinan.
Richarlison brings out his bag of tricks and Estupinan is booked for a mistimed challenge. 81' Another source of concern for Ecuador as Enner Valencia is stretchered off the pitch. The striker has put in a massive shift today and was struggling with his calf in these last few minutes. 80' It's now Brazil that are unable to get out of their own half. The Selecao clear their lines from a corner but Ecuador immediately win possession.
Brazil are visibly frustrated at the moment, and will rely on the likes of Richarlison and Vinicius to provide a few sparks of inspiration. 78' Another double change for Brazil. Richarlison and Everton Ribeiro come on for Lucas Paqueta and Everton Soares. 75' Enner Valencia stays down on the pitch, and the reason is unclear at the moment. Ecuador are only 15 minutes away from a historic result. Ecaudor are dominating the ball at the moment. Brazil are yet to hit their stride, and there's not much time left in the game. 72' A change for Ecuador, Gonzalo Plata comes on for Diego Palacios. Meanwhile, Peru are still leading against Venezuela. A little over 20 minutes left in both games, can Ecuador hang on?
71' Brazil have regained control of proceedings here and are looking for the winning goal. Vinicius Junior has been heavily involved since his introduction but needs to produce a final product. 68' Emerson at the far post this time! Casemiro angles his ball into the area and Ecuador have to work hard to restrict Brazil to a corner. 66' VINICIUS, A BAD MISS! Some brilliant work from Barbosa and Paqueta sees Vinicius with a golden opportunity at the far post. The goalkeeper is not the best of positions, but the Real Madrid winger is nowhere near finding his target. Tite's double change could mark a shift in momentum. The Real Madrid duo have a task to carry out against an Ecuador side that is in the ascendancy. 63' Vinicius Junior and Casemiro replace Roberto Firmino and Douglas Luiz. 61' Ecuador have surprisingly been on top in the second half, and win another corner after some good work from Estupinan. Brazil get the ball away again, but this is not a good sign for Tite and his charges. 58' VALENCIA! Ecuador come close again with a cross, but Eder Militao gets ahead this time to concede a corner. Brazil clear their lines, but Ecuador still have the ball. 57' Brazil are looking for an immediate response, but Ecuador seem to be buoyed by their equaliser. Emerson concedes a blatant foul on Pervis Estupinan. Terribly clumsy defending from Brazil there, Ecuador had far too much time to place their passes. Angel Mena had time and space to beat Alisson. If I was a Selecao defender, I wouldn't want to make eye contact with the Liverpool man. 53' GOOOOOAAAAAL ECUADOR! 1-1!
It's the substitute, Angel Mena! Ecuador take full toll of a well-taken set-piece and score a massive goal in the context of the race for fourth place. Their fate in their own hands now, and it's game on! 52' I'm not too sure if the players on the pitch know that Peru have scored, because there seems to be a spring in Ecuador's step. Preciado plays a neat pass to Enner Valencia, whose volleyed effort smashes into the side netting! Massive update from Brasilia: Peru are 1-0 up against Venezuela. This changes quite a lot - Ecuador will now go through as it stands. Fasten your seatbelts, this should be fun. 49' Right, so I've been proved wrong almost immediately.
Danilo comes on for Renan Lodi, who was clutching his side there for quite a while. No changes from either side, but we could see a few at the hour-mark. 47' Ecuador keep the ball for a couple of minutes before losing it again to a clumsy long ball. Brazil are still in first gear at the moment, and Ecuador have failed to trouble them. THE SECOND HALF IS UNDERWAY!
Ecuador with the ball this time, and Brazil from left to right.
The players are back on to the pitch for the second half. Ecuador in a huddle at the moment - last few words of encouragement to get them going. Brazil have maintained a perfect record at Copa America so far, and a comprehensive victory with a second-string side could serve as a massive boost of morale. There will likely be more goals in store for us, given the circumstances.
More to follow in the second half! With the first half between Venezuela and Peru ending at 0-0, Ecuador need an equaliser to stay alive in the competition. They are yet to create a concrete chance, however, and will need a miracle to succeed tonight. Ecuador's first half was marred by a potentially long-term injury to the impressive Moises Caicedo. Brazil have kept Ecuador in a stranglehold ever since, and have rarely been threatened themseves. Eder Militao hands Brazil a half-time lead against Ecuador.
- Pinnacle (@Pinnacle) Ecuador have never really been in the contest so far and Brazil have been the better team by a country mile. Paqueta and Barbosa have had their chances, but Eder Militao stepped up with an excellent header to give his side the lead. Right, so most of our predictions seem on point at the moment, with Brazil carving out a first-half lead against Ecuador. Tite made several changes to his team but they do not seem to have affected the Selecao's rhythm. HALF-TIME: Brazil 1-0 Ecuador 45 + 4' Ecuador take the corner short and Preciado's low cross is easily cleared. The three minutes of added time are up, but we do have time for one last corner.. 45 + 3' Ecuador have time for one last chance, as we're into the last minute of added time. Preciado attempts another cross, and now Diego Palacios is on the turf after a seemingly dangerous collision. Three minutes of additional time at the end of the first half. 45' Ecuador look to finish the half on a high, and Enner Valencia does his best to get to Estupinan's cross. An ugly clash of heads is the result, and we now have three players down in the box. 44' Paqueta finds Emerson with an excellent ball to the right flank, but the Real Betis man loses control. Brazil are looking for their second here, and Ecuador need a miracle at the moment. Meanwhile, Venezuela have held Peru to a 0-0 scoreline. As it stands, Ecuador will be eliminated from Copa America by the end of the night. Does Peru have a few favours handy? 40' Paqueta is causing a few problems here, and his dribbling prowess prompts a few tackles from his opponents. Ecuador survive the onslaught, but lose the ball almost immediately. That was Eder Militao's first goal for Brazil. The Real Madrid defender has been impressive for Tite's side and will hope for many more of those headers in the years to come. 37' GOOOOOAAAAAALLLL EDER MILITAO!
A typical set-piece from Brazil there, and Eder Militao rises highest to head it into the far corner. Brazil's pressure has finally paid off, and it's time for some Samba! 1-0! 36' Ecuador enjoying a brief spell of possession here - their first of the game. They'll need more of the ball to pull off an upset here. 32' We're past the half-hour mark here and it's still level. Ecuador seem intent on their clean sheet and will put up a fight. Brazil are yet to hit top gear, and will want to break the deadlock before half-time. Brazil have had 84% of the ball in this game - yes, you read that right, eighty four. Ecuador seem unable to keep the ball for more than ten seconds at a stretch. A long night indeed. 28' PAQUETA! A chance was always on the horizon, and some good work by Lodi and Barbosa sees Paqueta in space. The Lyon midfielder lets fly but is a couple of feet off with his effort. Ecuador survive, for now. Brazil are on to Ecuador like a rash at the moment. Some relentless forward forays from the Selecao, but Ecuador have held firm. 25' Ah finally! A nutmeg in a Brazil match. Everton Soares is the protagonist with a nasty meg in the box but his touch his too heavy and the chance is gone. This game could do with some more flair. 24' Ecuador with a penalty shout! Estupinan puts in a dangerous cross, and Enner Valencia takes a tumble in the area. The referee is not interested. 23' Brazil take the longer route forward now, with a clip over the Ecuador defence. Galindez is on hand once again and gets there ahead of Firmino. 20' BARBOSA! Brazil's best chance so far as Paqueta pulls off a brilliant flick. Barbosa is through on goal but Galindez comes off his line brilliantly to smother the ball. Inches away from the floodgates there. 17' Angel Mena comes on for Moises Caicedo.
With Mena occupying a wide position, Alan Franco will have to take up Caicedo's central role. 15' Paqueta loses the ball again, and Ecuador return the favour. Firmino gets into the action with a cross but Ecuador have numbers in their own box. 14' Ecuador are temporarily down to ten and Brazil smell blood. Paqueta takes a shot from distance but Galindez parries the ball away. Moises Caicedo seems to be struggling here. He was back on the pitch but now seems unable to continue. The 19-year-old has been stretchered off the pitch. A massive worry for Ecuador, Moises Caicedo is their primary source of creativity in the final third. 11' ENNER VALENCIA! The Ecuadorian tries his luck from over 40 yards away! Alisson loses his footing but breathes easy as the ball lands on the roof of the net. 9' Moises Caicedo is down and is receiving treatment on the pitch. The Brighton star landed awkwardly on his knee - fans of the Premier League club will certainly be worried at the moment. 8' Paqueta loses out to Estupinan but Brazil win it back almost immediately. A pattern emerging in this game at the moment - Ecuador have been able to nip the ball off the Selecao but seem unable to get out of their own half. 5' Brazil have settled into a nice rhythm here, and it will only be a matter of time before they score, at this rate at least. Ecuador have predictably set up on the counter but have not seen much of the ball. 2' Early penalty call for Brazil! The Selecao push forward and a tackle on Renan Lodi draws calls for a penalty. The referee is not interested, though and waves play on. KICK-OFF!
Brazil have the ball, attacking from right to left. A minute's silence before the start of the game as the stadium pays tribute to South America's ongoing fight against COVID-19. We're only moments away from kick-off here in Goiania as the players take to the pitch! Brazil have plenty of firepower on the bench tonight, and are now posing for their team photo. Can Ecuador keep them quiet? Ecuador, on the other hand, cannot afford to underestimate their opponents tonight but will not be unhappy with Neymar's absence in the starting XI. The Ecuadorians will likely set up on the counter and will have to take the few chances that come their way in this match. Brazil's centre-back partnership remains fairly intact, with Eder Militao and Marquinhos holding the fort with Alisson behind them. La Liga full-backs Emerson and Renan Lodi are roaming the flanks tonight and will be key to breaking down Ecuador's deep block. Dead rubbers notwithstanding, most managers would be wary of wholesale line-up changes in tournaments as big as this. Tite, however, seems to have no such qualms and has played a decidedly second-string team against Ecuador.
Neymar, Richarlison, Casemiro, Alex Sandro - the Selecao's big names have all been benched. Everton Soares and Douglas Luiz have been given their opportunities to shine, and Lucas Paqueta partners Fabinho in an impressive midfield unit. Up front, Gabriel Barbosa will have to make the most of Firmino's link-up play and get himself a few Copa America goals tonight. Ecuador Official XI (5-4-1):
Hernan Galindez; Piero Hincapie, Diego Palacios, Robert Arboleda, Angelo Preciado, Pervis Estupinan; Alan Franco, Jhegson Mendez, Moises Caicedo, Eduar Preciado; Enner Valencia
Substitutes:
Alexander Dominguez, Fidel Martinez, Gonzalo Plata, Christian Noboa, Michael Estrada, Pedro Ortiz, Felix Torres, Mario Pineida, Xavier Arreaga, Leonardo Campana, Angel Mena, Jordy Caicedo Brazil Official XI (4-4-2):
Alisson Becker; Renan Lodi, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Emerson; Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta, Everton, Douglas Luiz; Gabriel Barbosa, Roberto Firmino
Substitutes:
Thiago Silva, Fred, Gabriel Jesus, Danilo, Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Casemiro, Ederson, Alex Sandro, Everton Ribeiro, Richarlison, Weverton LINE-UPS! Ecuador find themselves in a fairly terrible position at the moment. They have - and I mean HAVE - to keep Brazil at bay tonight, and will hope that Peru can do them a favour against Venezuela. Not a particularly enticing situation, it seems.
Ecuador have only 2 victories against Brazil, and the Selecao have 27 against Ecuador. Lop-sided odds, but the Copa America has given us bigger surprises in the past. As far as all things football are concerned, Brazil have an extraordinary heritage. Tite's Selecao outfit is one of the most balanced units the country has seen in recent history, with Casemiro and Fabinho forming an efficient double pivot. Brazil will have to choose between Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus up front, with Neymar being the ever-present glue that binds their attack together. There's plenty of time to pass before Ecuador face their big litmus test against Brazil. In the meantime, my colleague is providing live updates on what is turning out to be a very exciting Euro 2020 match between the Netherlands and Czech Republic.
Catch the live coverage here:
We're still about five hours away from kick-off, so I'll leave you (only for the time being) with a preview of both teams and a brief preview of what should be a cracker of a night!
On the flip side, this could arguably be Ecuador's most important match of the year. They're level with Venezuela at the bottom of Group B and face a daunting challenge against arguably the best team in South America. Venezuela, on the other hand, face Peru at exactly the same time.
Ecuador have a better goal difference than Venezuela at the moment but they will have to hold their own against a team that averages three goals a game! Brazil will be in no mood to take their foot of the pedal, so Ecuador have a bit of a mountain to climb tonight.
This is the Copa America, though. Historically difficult to predict, and nothing is ruled out! Brazil have nine points from three games and their perfect record means that this game means very little in the context of the tournament. But the Selecao like to have a bit of fun, and we should be in for another thrilling display. Over to you, Neymar and co. Hello, and welcome to Sportskeeda's live coverage of this Copa America clash between Brazil and Ecuador! I'm , and I'll be your host for the evening. Mario Pineida
Leonardo Campana
Pervis Estupinan Everton Ribeiro
Richarlison Andrade
Gonzalo Plata
Casemiro
Vinicius Junior
Angel Mena
Danilo Luzi da Silva
Eder Militao
Angel Mena
1 Alisson Becker 13 Emerson Royal 4 Marquinhos 14 Eder Militao 16 Renan Lodi 25 Douglas Luiz 15 Fabinho 17 Lucas Paqueta 20 Roberto Firmino 19 Everton Soares 21 Gabriel Barbosa 1 Hernan Galindez 17 Angelo Preciado 4 Robert Arboleda 27 Diego Palacios 3 Piero Hincapie 23 Moises Caicedo 20 Jhegson Mendez 21 Alan Franco 7 Pervis Estupinan 18 Ayrton Preciado 13 Enner Valencia Brazil Subs 23 Ederson 12 Weverton Pereira 18 Vinicius Junior 5 Casemiro 10 Neymar 2 Danilo Luzi da Silva 11 Everton Ribeiro 8 Fred 3 Thiago Silva 9 Gabriel Jesus 6 Alex Sandro 7 Richarlison Andrade Ecuador Subs 22 Alexander Dominguez 12 Pedro Ortiz 14 Xavier Arreaga 11 Michael Estrada 2 Felix Torres 19 Gonzalo Plata 16 Mario Pineida 9 Leonardo Campana 6 Christian Noboa 8 Fidel Martinez 15 Angel Mena 26 Jordy Caicedo MATCH DETAILS player name COMMENTARY TEXT
Copa America 2022 Live Score Brazil vs Ecuador Live Score
1 - 1 FT Right, so that brings us to the end of a fairly long day of international football. There's much more to come tomorrow with France and Spain in action at Euro 2020, with Argentina and Uruguay playing their Copa America fixtures later in the night.For the time being though, this is me looking forward to a few hours of sleep in the wee hours of the morning. I'm , and it's been a pleasure bringing you live coverage of this match. Until next time (probably tomorrow), cheers and have a good night! Ecuador have nullified most of our predictions with their robust stand, and Brazil remain unbeaten in the Copa America. This tournament can produce a few surprises, and Ecuador will have to bank on a few more upsets to make their mark. Brazil, on the other hand, will hope that they've exhausted all their shocks and will be intent on making the remainder of the tournament as predictable and comfortable as possible. Brazil will not be too displeased with the draw and have already ticked most of their boxes in the campaign. Tite's charges have finished at the top of their group and managed to rest their best players in the game tonight.
Neymar found himself on the bench for the entirety of the game and Brazil seemed fairly innocuous and harmless without him on the pitch. Not a particularly good sign for the Selecao, but their talisman is sure to be back for the quarterfinals. The biggest talking point from this game, however, is Ecuador's second half performance. A resilient, gritty display from a team that refused to give up and, in the process, held on to keep Brazil at bay. Ecuador, despite not winning a single game get the best out of Venezuela in which El Vinotinto have had a valiant tournament dealing with a lot of COVID-19 cases which saw their team become depleted.
Even if Brazil weren’t at full strength in this one, they are still formidable.- Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) Brazil dominated the first half and took the lead through Eder Militao, and Ecuador's misery was further exacerbated by an injury to Moises Caicedo. The half-time team talk must have certainly helped, however, as Ecuador emerged from the tunnel a renewed force. Ecuador have pulled off one of the most important results in their recent history tonight, and have qualified for the quarterfinals of Copa America 2021 after a brilliant second half against Brazil. FULL TIME: Brazil 1-1 Ecuador 90 + 5' Brazil with one last opportunity, but Ecuador hold their ground. Angel Mena is down with a cramp at the moment. This will likely result in a few more seconds of added time.
90 + 4' Arbeloda steps up with another clearance as Ecuador repel Brazil's relentless attacks. Ecuador are only moments away from a crucial point. 90 + 2' Ecuador now have all their men behind the ball. Brazil are pushing forward to keep their winning streak intact, but Ecuador have all hands on deck. Five minutes of stoppage-time. Peru are still ahead in Brasilia, and Ecuador are through to the knock-outs as it stands. 90' Richarlison rides a few challenges and pulls off a good cross, but Ecuador are defending with their lives. The ball is now behind for a corner. 88' Campana! Ecuador's brazen confidence seems to be paying off, with Estupinan enjoying himself on the left. His cross finds Campana, but the substitute is unable to get his header on target. 86' CHANCE FOR ECUADOR! Jhegson Mendez finds Preciado with a brilliant pass, but his low drilled cross does not find any takers in the penalty area. Ecuador have been exceptional in the second half. 84' Leonardo Campana is on for Enner Valencia, Mario Pineida replaces Angel Preciado.
Ecuador use the stoppage to make a few changes. 83' Yellow card for Pervis Estupinan.
Richarlison brings out his bag of tricks and Estupinan is booked for a mistimed challenge. 81' Another source of concern for Ecuador as Enner Valencia is stretchered off the pitch. The striker has put in a massive shift today and was struggling with his calf in these last few minutes. 80' It's now Brazil that are unable to get out of their own half. The Selecao clear their lines from a corner but Ecuador immediately win possession.
Brazil are visibly frustrated at the moment, and will rely on the likes of Richarlison and Vinicius to provide a few sparks of inspiration. 78' Another double change for Brazil. Richarlison and Everton Ribeiro come on for Lucas Paqueta and Everton Soares. 75' Enner Valencia stays down on the pitch, and the reason is unclear at the moment. Ecuador are only 15 minutes away from a historic result. Ecaudor are dominating the ball at the moment. Brazil are yet to hit their stride, and there's not much time left in the game. 72' A change for Ecuador, Gonzalo Plata comes on for Diego Palacios. Meanwhile, Peru are still leading against Venezuela. A little over 20 minutes left in both games, can Ecuador hang on?
71' Brazil have regained control of proceedings here and are looking for the winning goal. Vinicius Junior has been heavily involved since his introduction but needs to produce a final product. 68' Emerson at the far post this time! Casemiro angles his ball into the area and Ecuador have to work hard to restrict Brazil to a corner. 66' VINICIUS, A BAD MISS! Some brilliant work from Barbosa and Paqueta sees Vinicius with a golden opportunity at the far post. The goalkeeper is not the best of positions, but the Real Madrid winger is nowhere near finding his target. Tite's double change could mark a shift in momentum. The Real Madrid duo have a task to carry out against an Ecuador side that is in the ascendancy. 63' Vinicius Junior and Casemiro replace Roberto Firmino and Douglas Luiz. 61' Ecuador have surprisingly been on top in the second half, and win another corner after some good work from Estupinan. Brazil get the ball away again, but this is not a good sign for Tite and his charges. 58' VALENCIA! Ecuador come close again with a cross, but Eder Militao gets ahead this time to concede a corner. Brazil clear their lines, but Ecuador still have the ball. 57' Brazil are looking for an immediate response, but Ecuador seem to be buoyed by their equaliser. Emerson concedes a blatant foul on Pervis Estupinan. Terribly clumsy defending from Brazil there, Ecuador had far too much time to place their passes. Angel Mena had time and space to beat Alisson. If I was a Selecao defender, I wouldn't want to make eye contact with the Liverpool man. 53' GOOOOOAAAAAL ECUADOR! 1-1!
It's the substitute, Angel Mena! Ecuador take full toll of a well-taken set-piece and score a massive goal in the context of the race for fourth place. Their fate in their own hands now, and it's game on! 52' I'm not too sure if the players on the pitch know that Peru have scored, because there seems to be a spring in Ecuador's step. Preciado plays a neat pass to Enner Valencia, whose volleyed effort smashes into the side netting! Massive update from Brasilia: Peru are 1-0 up against Venezuela. This changes quite a lot - Ecuador will now go through as it stands. Fasten your seatbelts, this should be fun. 49' Right, so I've been proved wrong almost immediately.
Danilo comes on for Renan Lodi, who was clutching his side there for quite a while. No changes from either side, but we could see a few at the hour-mark. 47' Ecuador keep the ball for a couple of minutes before losing it again to a clumsy long ball. Brazil are still in first gear at the moment, and Ecuador have failed to trouble them. THE SECOND HALF IS UNDERWAY!
Ecuador with the ball this time, and Brazil from left to right.
The players are back on to the pitch for the second half. Ecuador in a huddle at the moment - last few words of encouragement to get them going. Brazil have maintained a perfect record at Copa America so far, and a comprehensive victory with a second-string side could serve as a massive boost of morale. There will likely be more goals in store for us, given the circumstances.
More to follow in the second half! With the first half between Venezuela and Peru ending at 0-0, Ecuador need an equaliser to stay alive in the competition. They are yet to create a concrete chance, however, and will need a miracle to succeed tonight. Ecuador's first half was marred by a potentially long-term injury to the impressive Moises Caicedo. Brazil have kept Ecuador in a stranglehold ever since, and have rarely been threatened themseves. Eder Militao hands Brazil a half-time lead against Ecuador.
- Pinnacle (@Pinnacle) Ecuador have never really been in the contest so far and Brazil have been the better team by a country mile. Paqueta and Barbosa have had their chances, but Eder Militao stepped up with an excellent header to give his side the lead. Right, so most of our predictions seem on point at the moment, with Brazil carving out a first-half lead against Ecuador. Tite made several changes to his team but they do not seem to have affected the Selecao's rhythm. HALF-TIME: Brazil 1-0 Ecuador 45 + 4' Ecuador take the corner short and Preciado's low cross is easily cleared. The three minutes of added time are up, but we do have time for one last corner.. 45 + 3' Ecuador have time for one last chance, as we're into the last minute of added time. Preciado attempts another cross, and now Diego Palacios is on the turf after a seemingly dangerous collision. Three minutes of additional time at the end of the first half. 45' Ecuador look to finish the half on a high, and Enner Valencia does his best to get to Estupinan's cross. An ugly clash of heads is the result, and we now have three players down in the box. 44' Paqueta finds Emerson with an excellent ball to the right flank, but the Real Betis man loses control. Brazil are looking for their second here, and Ecuador need a miracle at the moment. Meanwhile, Venezuela have held Peru to a 0-0 scoreline. As it stands, Ecuador will be eliminated from Copa America by the end of the night. Does Peru have a few favours handy? 40' Paqueta is causing a few problems here, and his dribbling prowess prompts a few tackles from his opponents. Ecuador survive the onslaught, but lose the ball almost immediately. That was Eder Militao's first goal for Brazil. The Real Madrid defender has been impressive for Tite's side and will hope for many more of those headers in the years to come. 37' GOOOOOAAAAAALLLL EDER MILITAO!
A typical set-piece from Brazil there, and Eder Militao rises highest to head it into the far corner. Brazil's pressure has finally paid off, and it's time for some Samba! 1-0! 36' Ecuador enjoying a brief spell of possession here - their first of the game. They'll need more of the ball to pull off an upset here. 32' We're past the half-hour mark here and it's still level. Ecuador seem intent on their clean sheet and will put up a fight. Brazil are yet to hit top gear, and will want to break the deadlock before half-time. Brazil have had 84% of the ball in this game - yes, you read that right, eighty four. Ecuador seem unable to keep the ball for more than ten seconds at a stretch. A long night indeed. 28' PAQUETA! A chance was always on the horizon, and some good work by Lodi and Barbosa sees Paqueta in space. The Lyon midfielder lets fly but is a couple of feet off with his effort. Ecuador survive, for now. Brazil are on to Ecuador like a rash at the moment. Some relentless forward forays from the Selecao, but Ecuador have held firm. 25' Ah finally! A nutmeg in a Brazil match. Everton Soares is the protagonist with a nasty meg in the box but his touch his too heavy and the chance is gone. This game could do with some more flair. 24' Ecuador with a penalty shout! Estupinan puts in a dangerous cross, and Enner Valencia takes a tumble in the area. The referee is not interested. 23' Brazil take the longer route forward now, with a clip over the Ecuador defence. Galindez is on hand once again and gets there ahead of Firmino. 20' BARBOSA! Brazil's best chance so far as Paqueta pulls off a brilliant flick. Barbosa is through on goal but Galindez comes off his line brilliantly to smother the ball. Inches away from the floodgates there. 17' Angel Mena comes on for Moises Caicedo.
With Mena occupying a wide position, Alan Franco will have to take up Caicedo's central role. 15' Paqueta loses the ball again, and Ecuador return the favour. Firmino gets into the action with a cross but Ecuador have numbers in their own box. 14' Ecuador are temporarily down to ten and Brazil smell blood. Paqueta takes a shot from distance but Galindez parries the ball away. Moises Caicedo seems to be struggling here. He was back on the pitch but now seems unable to continue. The 19-year-old has been stretchered off the pitch. A massive worry for Ecuador, Moises Caicedo is their primary source of creativity in the final third. 11' ENNER VALENCIA! The Ecuadorian tries his luck from over 40 yards away! Alisson loses his footing but breathes easy as the ball lands on the roof of the net. 9' Moises Caicedo is down and is receiving treatment on the pitch. The Brighton star landed awkwardly on his knee - fans of the Premier League club will certainly be worried at the moment. 8' Paqueta loses out to Estupinan but Brazil win it back almost immediately. A pattern emerging in this game at the moment - Ecuador have been able to nip the ball off the Selecao but seem unable to get out of their own half. 5' Brazil have settled into a nice rhythm here, and it will only be a matter of time before they score, at this rate at least. Ecuador have predictably set up on the counter but have not seen much of the ball. 2' Early penalty call for Brazil! The Selecao push forward and a tackle on Renan Lodi draws calls for a penalty. The referee is not interested, though and waves play on. KICK-OFF!
Brazil have the ball, attacking from right to left. A minute's silence before the start of the game as the stadium pays tribute to South America's ongoing fight against COVID-19. We're only moments away from kick-off here in Goiania as the players take to the pitch! Brazil have plenty of firepower on the bench tonight, and are now posing for their team photo. Can Ecuador keep them quiet? Ecuador, on the other hand, cannot afford to underestimate their opponents tonight but will not be unhappy with Neymar's absence in the starting XI. The Ecuadorians will likely set up on the counter and will have to take the few chances that come their way in this match. Brazil's centre-back partnership remains fairly intact, with Eder Militao and Marquinhos holding the fort with Alisson behind them. La Liga full-backs Emerson and Renan Lodi are roaming the flanks tonight and will be key to breaking down Ecuador's deep block. Dead rubbers notwithstanding, most managers would be wary of wholesale line-up changes in tournaments as big as this. Tite, however, seems to have no such qualms and has played a decidedly second-string team against Ecuador.
Neymar, Richarlison, Casemiro, Alex Sandro - the Selecao's big names have all been benched. Everton Soares and Douglas Luiz have been given their opportunities to shine, and Lucas Paqueta partners Fabinho in an impressive midfield unit. Up front, Gabriel Barbosa will have to make the most of Firmino's link-up play and get himself a few Copa America goals tonight. Ecuador Official XI (5-4-1):
Hernan Galindez; Piero Hincapie, Diego Palacios, Robert Arboleda, Angelo Preciado, Pervis Estupinan; Alan Franco, Jhegson Mendez, Moises Caicedo, Eduar Preciado; Enner Valencia
Substitutes:
Alexander Dominguez, Fidel Martinez, Gonzalo Plata, Christian Noboa, Michael Estrada, Pedro Ortiz, Felix Torres, Mario Pineida, Xavier Arreaga, Leonardo Campana, Angel Mena, Jordy Caicedo Brazil Official XI (4-4-2):
Alisson Becker; Renan Lodi, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Emerson; Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta, Everton, Douglas Luiz; Gabriel Barbosa, Roberto Firmino
Substitutes:
Thiago Silva, Fred, Gabriel Jesus, Danilo, Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Casemiro, Ederson, Alex Sandro, Everton Ribeiro, Richarlison, Weverton LINE-UPS! Ecuador find themselves in a fairly terrible position at the moment. They have - and I mean HAVE - to keep Brazil at bay tonight, and will hope that Peru can do them a favour against Venezuela. Not a particularly enticing situation, it seems.
Ecuador have only 2 victories against Brazil, and the Selecao have 27 against Ecuador. Lop-sided odds, but the Copa America has given us bigger surprises in the past. As far as all things football are concerned, Brazil have an extraordinary heritage. Tite's Selecao outfit is one of the most balanced units the country has seen in recent history, with Casemiro and Fabinho forming an efficient double pivot. Brazil will have to choose between Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus up front, with Neymar being the ever-present glue that binds their attack together. There's plenty of time to pass before Ecuador face their big litmus test against Brazil. In the meantime, my colleague is providing live updates on what is turning out to be a very exciting Euro 2020 match between the Netherlands and Czech Republic.
Catch the live coverage here:
We're still about five hours away from kick-off, so I'll leave you (only for the time being) with a preview of both teams and a brief preview of what should be a cracker of a night!
On the flip side, this could arguably be Ecuador's most important match of the year. They're level with Venezuela at the bottom of Group B and face a daunting challenge against arguably the best team in South America. Venezuela, on the other hand, face Peru at exactly the same time.
Ecuador have a better goal difference than Venezuela at the moment but they will have to hold their own against a team that averages three goals a game! Brazil will be in no mood to take their foot of the pedal, so Ecuador have a bit of a mountain to climb tonight.
This is the Copa America, though. Historically difficult to predict, and nothing is ruled out! Brazil have nine points from three games and their perfect record means that this game means very little in the context of the tournament. But the Selecao like to have a bit of fun, and we should be in for another thrilling display. Over to you, Neymar and co. Hello, and welcome to Sportskeeda's live coverage of this Copa America clash between Brazil and Ecuador! I'm , and I'll be your host for the evening. Mario Pineida
Leonardo Campana
Pervis Estupinan Everton Ribeiro
Richarlison Andrade
Gonzalo Plata
Casemiro
Vinicius Junior
Angel Mena
Danilo Luzi da Silva
Eder Militao
Angel Mena
1 Alisson Becker 13 Emerson Royal 4 Marquinhos 14 Eder Militao 16 Renan Lodi 25 Douglas Luiz 15 Fabinho 17 Lucas Paqueta 20 Roberto Firmino 19 Everton Soares 21 Gabriel Barbosa 1 Hernan Galindez 17 Angelo Preciado 4 Robert Arboleda 27 Diego Palacios 3 Piero Hincapie 23 Moises Caicedo 20 Jhegson Mendez 21 Alan Franco 7 Pervis Estupinan 18 Ayrton Preciado 13 Enner Valencia Brazil Subs 23 Ederson 12 Weverton Pereira 18 Vinicius Junior 5 Casemiro 10 Neymar 2 Danilo Luzi da Silva 11 Everton Ribeiro 8 Fred 3 Thiago Silva 9 Gabriel Jesus 6 Alex Sandro 7 Richarlison Andrade Ecuador Subs 22 Alexander Dominguez 12 Pedro Ortiz 14 Xavier Arreaga 11 Michael Estrada 2 Felix Torres 19 Gonzalo Plata 16 Mario Pineida 9 Leonardo Campana 6 Christian Noboa 8 Fidel Martinez 15 Angel Mena 26 Jordy Caicedo MATCH DETAILS player name COMMENTARY TEXT