Brazil preserved their excellent document in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying after Richarlison and Neymar’s second-half strikes broke Ecuador’s cussed resistance in a 2-0 victory.
Richarlison and Neymar mixed for the decisive Sixty fifth-minute purpose as Brazil made it 5 wins from 5 matches on the street to Qatar 2022 in Porto Alegre on Friday.
With all eyes on the upcoming Copa America, on account of begin in Brazil on June 13 amid studies a few of the Selecao gamers don’t need to compete, Richarlison broke the impasse with a robust strike behind closed doorways.
Neymar sealed the win with a re-taken penalty within the 94th minute to ship Tite’s males 4 factors clear atop the qualifying standings.
It was a conflict between the 2 top-scoring groups in World Cup qualifying, Ecuador having scored 13 targets by 4 rounds, whereas Brazil had discovered the again of the web on 12 events.
O DETALHE DO GOL! Boa roubada na saída de bola do Equador foi elementary. Neymar achou Richarlison na esquerda, que chutou forte e venceu o goleiro equatoriano. Vamos em busca da vitória!!
1×0 | #BRAxEQU #Eliminatórias pic.twitter.com/dBFPYSwbOB
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 5, 2021
However probabilities had been few and much between, particularly within the first half, with Ecuador trying snug away from house amid Brazil’s subdued play.
Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa – who had compelled goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez right into a routine save earlier within the half – did put the ball at the back of the web for Brazil three minutes earlier than half-time but it surely was dominated out for offside.
Whereas Brazil – enjoying for the primary time since November’s 2-0 win in Uruguay – had been largely toothless within the opening 45 minutes, they didn’t face a shot on the right track for the third event of their 5 qualifying video games.
Neymar, the topic of a scary incident previous to kick-off as two overexcited followers charged on the Paris Saint-Germain star and tried to steal his sneakers, continued to be within the thick of the motion with a few strikes.
He was the architect for the opening purpose simply previous the hour mark, enjoying in Richarlison, whose shot proved too scorching to deal with for Dominguez on the entrance put up.
3 – Richarlison scored Brazil’s final two targets within the South American 2022 WC Qualifiers. He’s levelled with Neymar and Firmino as the highest scorers of the Brazilian Nationwide Group within the present version of the match with three targets every. Striker.
— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) June 5, 2021
That purpose introduced Brazil to life as Gabigol had two good probabilities to double the lead for the Selecao.
With 18 minutes remaining, Gabigol obtained on the tip of Gabriel Jesus’ reverse go however Dominguez was fast off his line to thwart the Flamengo star.
Gabigol was unable to divert his header on the right track three minutes later after Richarlison did fantastically nicely to maintain the ball in play.
Brazil had been awarded a penalty following a VAR assessment on the loss of life and whereas Neymar’s preliminary penalty was saved by Dominguez within the first minute of stoppage time, an encroachment spared the star’s blushes as he made no mistake a second time round.
What does it imply? Tite’s males keep scorching
Forward of their Copa America title defence, Brazil prolonged their profitable streak to 6 matches. The South American powerhouse have solely conceded two targets in that interval, maintaining 5 clear sheets. Brazil haven’t misplaced since their 1-0 pleasant defeat to rivals Argentina in November 2019.
Dependable Richarlison
Richarlison was on the scoresheet once more for Brazil, having netted the nation’s final two targets in qualifying earlier than Neymar’s sealer. Within the present marketing campaign, Richarlison has netted thrice.
Gabigol wasteful beginning return
Whereas Gabigol left the sector smiling after sharing an embrace with head coach Tite, it felt like a missed alternative for the previous Inter ahead. Gabigol was handed his first worldwide begin for the reason that Copa America Centenario – a 1-0 loss to Peru 5 years in the past. The 24-year-old proved wasteful with two significantly good probabilities within the second half.
What’s subsequent?
Brazil journey to Paraguay on Tuesday earlier than the Copa America will get underway, whereas Ecuador play host to Peru on the identical day.