Brazil vs Ecuador

Loiloi

09/06/24 • 36 Views • 0 Share • Published in Sports

Livestream Brazil vs Ecuador

Brazil will host Ecuador at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba on Friday as part of the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from their respective Copa America disappointments and further cement their places in the qualification standings. Ecuador is currently one point ahead of the Selecao, sitting in fifth place, while Brazil lags behind in sixth, separated by seven points. With both sides eager to make a statement, this fixture promises to be a captivating clash.

Brazil's Recent Form and Challenges

Brazil’s road to World Cup qualification under new head coach Dorival Júnior has been somewhat turbulent. After taking the reins from Fernando Diniz, Dorival witnessed Brazil’s early exit from the 2024 Copa America, a competition where Brazil historically excels. The Selecao crashed out in the quarterfinals to Uruguay, a match that was decided by penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time. Despite entering the tournament with high hopes, Brazil's journey was underwhelming, as they managed only one win (D2) in the group stage.

This exit was a bitter pill to swallow for Dorival, but he can find comfort in knowing that Brazil has remained undefeated in regulation time under his guidance, winning all eight of his matches outside of the Copa America. These performances have provided some much-needed momentum heading into his first World Cup qualifiers as Brazil’s head coach. However, expectations for Brazil are always sky-high, and anything less than smooth qualification will be viewed as a failure for a nation that has lifted the World Cup five times.

Historically, Brazil has made World Cup qualification look easy, but this campaign has seen some bumps along the road. After starting with two victories and a draw, they stumbled in subsequent matches. Back-to-back losses to Uruguay, Colombia, and Argentina dampened their momentum and left them vulnerable in the qualification table. Despite their slip-ups, Brazil still has time to recover and reassert their dominance. A home match against Ecuador, a team they’ve beaten in their last 12 meetings, could be the perfect opportunity to get back on track.

Ecuador’s Rise and Resilience

Ecuador, on the other hand, has been enjoying a strong qualifying campaign despite facing some adversity. They were docked three points from their tally due to fielding an ineligible player in the last qualifying cycle, yet they remain ahead of Brazil. This resilience is a testament to the quality and determination of the squad. Like Brazil, Ecuador also suffered Copa America heartbreak, bowing out to Argentina in the quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw, losing 4-2 on penalties. This marked their second consecutive quarterfinal exit in the tournament, reflecting their struggles to make it past the latter stages.

After Ecuador’s Copa America elimination, former coach Felix Sanchez resigned, and the reins were handed to Sebastián Beccacece. The former Elche manager brings a fresh perspective to Ecuadorian football and will be tasked with maintaining their steady World Cup qualification campaign. Under Beccacece, Ecuador will aim to return to back-to-back World Cups, following their 2022 participation in Qatar.

Beccacece inherits a side that has not lost in their last five World Cup qualifiers and features a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talents. The return of captain and all-time leading scorer Enner Valencia will provide a significant boost, as the veteran striker continues to lead Ecuador’s frontline. Ecuador’s resilience will be further tested against a Brazilian side they haven’t beaten since 2004, but they can take encouragement from their last two encounters against the Selecao, both of which ended in draws.

Key Absences and Squad Changes

Both teams have had to contend with key injuries ahead of this crucial qualifier. For Brazil, the absence of Neymar looms large. The Al-Hilal forward remains sidelined as he recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained in October 2023. Neymar’s absence creates a significant void in Brazil’s attacking options, but Dorival has several talented players at his disposal who can step up in his absence.

Brazil’s squad has also been further depleted by the injuries to Borussia Dortmund’s Yan Couto and Manchester City’s Savinho, both of whom were forced to withdraw. The two young stars, who played together at Girona last season, will be missed, but Dorival has called up Palmeiras prodigy Estevao Willian to fill the gap. Willian, who is only 17 years old, has already made waves in the Brazilian top flight and will officially join Chelsea in the summer of 2024. His inclusion signals Brazil’s faith in the next generation of talent.

In attack, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior will likely lead the line, joined by 17-year-old sensation Endrick, another young prospect from Palmeiras who has already drawn comparisons to Brazilian greats. With Raphinha suspended, Dorival may rely on this youthful trio to carry the Selecao’s attack

For Ecuador, the injury bug has also struck. Defensively, they will be without Christian Ramirez, who suffered an ankle injury during Ferencvaros’ Europa League qualification match. In his place, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Pervis Estupiñan returns to the fold after missing national duty since March 2023 due to an injury of his own. His return will provide a much-needed boost to Ecuador’s defense.

Ecuador’s midfield will feature dynamic players like Moisés Caicedo, who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top midfield talents since his move to Chelsea, and the highly-rated Kendry Páez, a young playmaker who could have a significant impact on this match. Together with Valencia, these players form the core of a team capable of challenging Brazil on their home turf.

Tactical Outlook and Predicted Lineups

Brazil, under Dorival, will likely adopt a 4-3-3 formation, with a strong emphasis on controlling possession and using their pace on the wings to break down Ecuador’s defense. Rodrygo and Vinicius will be key in providing width and creativity, while Endrick’s ability to stretch defenses with his runs will open up space for midfielders like Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá to exploit. In defense, Marquinhos and Éder Militão will be tasked with keeping Ecuador’s attack at bay, while Alisson remains a safe pair of hands in goal.

Ecuador, meanwhile, will likely opt for a more defensive setup, looking to soak up pressure and hit Brazil on the counter. Beccacece’s side will rely on the pace and dribbling ability of players like Gonzalo Plata and Jeremy Sarmiento to support Valencia, who will lead the line. Estupiñan’s overlapping runs from left-back will also be a key component of Ecuador’s attacking play, as they look to capitalize on Brazil’s occasional vulnerability to counterattacks.

Predicted Brazil Starting Lineup

- Alisson; Danilo, Militão, Marquinhos, Guilherme Arana; Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, Gabriel Gomes; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Endrick

Predicted Ecuador Starting Lineup

- Hernán Galíndez; Angelo Preciado, Piero Hincapié, William Pacho, Pervis Estupiñan; Moisés Caicedo, Sebastián Franco, Carlos Gruezo; Kendry Páez, Jeremy Sarmiento, Enner Valencia

Prediction: Brazil to Bounce Back

After their disappointing Copa America exit, Brazil will be eager to make a statement and regain their winning form. The Selecao have a formidable home record and a wealth of attacking talent, even without Neymar. Ecuador has proven to be resilient and tough to break down, but Brazil’s quality and depth should see them through.

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