With a goal from Rodrygo, Brazil beats Ecuador in the World Cup Qualifiers

On Friday night (6), playing at the Couto Pereira Stadium, in Curitiba, they received Ecuador, in a match valid for the seventh round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The performance of the Seleção Canarinho was far below the expectations of the fans who packed the Coritiba stadium. With more than 36 thousand people in attendance — a record for the season at the stadium — the team led by coach Dorival Junior was booed at times, even though they won.

Invincibility in Paraná

The Brazilian National Team, despite its poor performance, maintained its unbeaten record in Paraná. With Rodrygo's goal in the 29th minute of the first half, Brazil reached its eighth in 11 matches in Paraná. The result saw Brazil rise to 10 points and reach fourth place in the tournament.

Brazil tried to dominate the match, keeping most of the ball at their feet, but they had great difficulty in converting their superiority into a larger advantage on the scoreboard. Ecuadorian goalkeeper Galindez was hardly troubled in the match. The only clear chance was the winning goal, after a shot from outside the area by Rodrygo that deflected into the path.

_{Rodrygo scores the goal that gave the victory to the Brazilian team. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@cbf_futebol)}

Ecuador, in turn, managed to get their first shot off in the 37th minute of the first half, but in injury time they had a great chance wasted by Moisés Caicedo who was stopped by goalkeeper Alisson and, on the rebound, defender Gabriel Magalhães prevented what would have been an Ecuadorian equalizer.

Debuts of Luiz Henrique and Estevão

The match was marked by two debuts: Botafogo's Luiz Henrique, who started leaving the young Endrick on the bench, and Palmeiras' youngster, Estêvão, who came in to replace the Botafogo player. The name of the Palmeiras star was shouted by the fans and the request was answered by Dorival Júnior, but with the game below par, the youngster was unable to produce much.

_{Estêvão makes his debut with a victory for the Brazilian National Team. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@cbf_futebol)}

Brazil will play again in the Qualifiers next Tuesday (10), at 9:30 pm, when they face Paraguay, at the Defensores Del Chaco Stadium, in Asunción.

Featured photo: With a goal from Rodrigo, the Brazilian team beats Ecuador in the qualifiers. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@cbf_futebol