Carlo Ancelotti got off to a disappointing start as Brazil coach in Thursday’s South American World Cup qualifiers, drawing 0-0 against runners-up Ecuador, putting the Italian manager under considerable pressure.
Brazil were unable to break down Ecuador’s organised defence and had few chances in the first half, the clearest coming from a Vinícius Júnior attempt assisted by Gerson that was saved by goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle.
AnceIottti made a lot of lineup changes compared with his predecessor, Dorival Júnior, who was fired after the team’s 4-0 defeat at Argentina.
The 65-year-old Italian coach gave Vinicius Brazil’s No. 10, brought veteran midfielder Casemiro and striker Richarlison back into the starting lineup, gave a debut to defender Alex and played teenager Estêvão on the left wing as a replacement to suspended Raphinha.
Brazil appeared more defensive from the start against Ecuador, which is unbeaten in its last 14 home games.
Ecuador threatened in the second half when John Yeboah attempted a through ball, but striker Nilson Angulo was caught offside.
The result leaves Ecuador closer to qualifying as they remain in second place with 24 points. The top six qualify directly for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They face ninth-placed Peru on Tuesday.
