Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira came on as a late substitute as Brazil drew 0-0 against Ecuador in Carlo Ancelotti’s first game as national team coach overnight.
Pereira replaced Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who came off injured in the 90th minute at the Estadio OlÃmpico Atahualpa. Brazil had the better chances but couldn’t break down their hosts’ well-organised defence with Richarlison and Caesmiro going close in the second half.
The lacklustre draw means that Brazil are in fourth place in South American World Cup qualifying on 22 points. They play third-placed Paraguay, who beat Uruguay 2-0 earlier, on Wednesday. Ecuador remain second – with 24 points – and take on Peru, who are ninth, on Tuesday. The top six sides will qualify automatically for a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
