Brazil’s goalless draw against Ecuador in the World Cup qualifiers marked a frustrating debut for Carlo Ancelotti as the new head coach of the Seleção. From start to finish, Brazil appeared sluggish, disorganized, and disconnected especially in attack. The team’s lack of rhythm was evident in their passing statistics: of the 376 successful passes, a staggering 285 were completed in their own half. In stark contrast, only 91 passes reached Ecuador’s half, while the hosts completed 222 passes in Brazil’s territory highlighting the dominance of Ecuador throughout the game.
Brazil managed only two notable chances one from Vinicius Junior in the first half and another from Casemiro in the second. The Seleção were clearly second-best in terms of possession, pressing, and offensive threat. Were it not for Ecuador’s wasteful finishing and goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s crucial saves, Brazil could very well have left with a defeat.
Carlo Ancelotti
Following the match, Ancelotti pointed fingers at the pitch conditions as a major obstacle to his team’s tactical execution. “It was quite difficult to start a tactical game from the back due to the field conditions. Controlling the ball was also tough,” Carlo Ancelotti said, visibly dissatisfied with the playing surface. While acknowledging Brazil’s attacking struggles, he also credited Ecuador for their strong performance and admitted the long travel had left his squad fatigued.
There was a notable absence in Brazil’s attack Barcelona winger Raphinha. Carlo Ancelotti expressed hope that Raphinha’s return in the next match against Paraguay would spark the attacking improvement Brazil desperately needs. “Of course, we can improve. We missed a very important player today Raphinha. He will return and I believe he can make a difference,” Carlo Ancelotti said.
Looking ahead, Carlo Ancelotti remained hopeful. “I think the match against Paraguay will be different. We’ll have more control, play with greater intensity and dynamism. The quality in this squad is high, so even without much time to train, we have a chance to grow.”