Ecuador drew 1-1 with a depleted Brazil on Sunday to book a place in the Copa America quarterfinals, at the Olimpico Stadium in Goiania. Neymar, Thiago Silva, and Gabriel Jesus did not play against Ecuador.
Ecuador was improved to fourth place in Group B as a result of the draw, eliminating Venezuela and setting up a quarterfinal encounter against Argentina. Before the match, Brazil had already clinched the first place in the group, allowing coach Tite to continue testing his lineup in preparation for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Éder Milito’s header after a corner gave the defending champions the lead in the 37th minute. In the 53rd minute, Angel Mena equalised for Ecuador with an angled shot in front of goalkeeper Alisson. Brazil had won ten games in a row before the draw.
Brazil’s next opponent will be either Uruguay or Chile, the two teams in Group A with the best chance of finishing fourth.
Brazil midfielder Lucas Paquetá remarked, “Now we have to rest, recuperate well and focus on every final we will have in the following few days. To win this, we’ll need all of our resources.”
According to Brazilian defender Marquinhos, the game against Ecuador was crucial for Brazil. The regular starters got some rest and will be fresh when the knockouts will start and the bench players got some game time.
Marquinhos was particularly concerned about the pitch at Rio de Janeiro’s Nilton Santos Stadium, where Brazil will play in the quarterfinals, and if they win then also the semifinals of the tournament.
