Brazil is already certain of its place at the World Cup and Ecuador also has good papers in their hands, but Thursday evening in Quito was by no means a glorified practice match.
Both teams flew in full, resulting in two quick red cards. At Ecuador goalkeeper Dominguez was allowed to leave the dressing room after fifteen minutes because he had hit Cunha with the face. Brazilian right-back Emerson Royal followed a few minutes later after his second yellow card.
The spectators were not yet recovered when Alisson also received a red card, but the Liverpool goalkeeper was saved by the VAR. A scenario that played out again in extra time, when the VAR cleared Alisson for the second time after the ref drew red.
A person would almost forget that there was also scored in the card festival. Even early in the game, as Casemiro had already put Brazil ahead after 6 minutes.
Ecuador pushed hard, especially after the coffee. After an alleged penalty and a disallowed goal, Felix Torres headed in the deserved 1-1 fifteen minutes before the end.
That draw is also good news for the Red Devils, who can enjoy the 1st place in the FIFA ranking for a little longer. With Brazil’s win, the Divine Canaries would have knocked Belgium off its throne.
