Ancelotti's Brazil Stumble Out of the Gate in Guayaquil
Carlo Ancelotti couldn’t have asked for a trickier World Cup qualifier to introduce himself as Brazil’s new boss. On June 5, 2025, Brazil traveled to Guayaquil to face an Ecuador side that had everything to prove and even more to protect: an unbeaten record at home in this qualifying campaign, with just two goals allowed across seven matches. The catch? Ecuador’s usual fortress in Quito was swapped for Guayaquil, sidestepping the challenging high altitude that often trips up visiting sides.
Sebastián Beccacece’s Ecuador entered the game sitting second in the CONMEBOL standings, even after having three points chopped off for administrative reasons. For Brazil, the context was a little more relaxed: they sat fourth in the group, comfortably ahead of Venezuela and with a decent cushion over the qualification line. Yet the pressure was palpable, especially with a football-crazed nation watching every move Ancelotti made from the bench.
The last time Ecuador managed to beat Brazil? Way back in 2004. Since then, the South American giants have dominated their encounters, but Ecuador’s home form in this cycle pointed to a much closer contest than in previous years. Their defense has been downright stingy—only two goals conceded on their own turf isn’t something most teams can brag about.
Brazilians Frustrated by Ecuador’s Defensive Wall
Brazil, for all their household names and flair, struggled to crack the Ecuadorian code once the match kicked off. Ancelotti’s style often means more composure and patience, but under the sticky Guayaquil night, his side looked out of ideas. Everything they tried was met with strong resistance from defenders Félix Torres and Piero Hincapié, who have become linchpins of Ecuador’s backline. Every time Brazil pushed forward, they ran into a green-and-yellow wall.
All eyes were on Rodrygo—after his goal had decided their previous fixture, hopes were pinned on him to deliver the big moment. Instead, his influence was stifled, and with each passing minute, Brazilian fans could sense the rising tension. Even as Ancelotti shuffled his squad and tried tactical tweaks, Ecuador remained organized, tight, and determined to keep their proud record intact.
A goalless draw wasn’t exactly what Brazil had envisioned for their celebrated new manager’s first assignment. The team’s attack never quite clicked, raising eyebrows back home and giving fans—not to mention pundits—plenty to worry about. With qualifying pressure never far away in South America, Ancelotti suddenly finds himself needing answers fast, despite Brazil hanging onto their six-point cushion ahead of a chasing Venezuela.
As for Ecuador, this result sent another clear message: underestimate their home record at your peril. With an airtight defense that now boasts only two home goals conceded in eight games, they’ve become CONMEBOL’s most difficult host. Their organization and discipline, even after that significant World Cup qualifier points deduction, can’t be overlooked.
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