Brazil drew 1-1 with Ecuador in Goiania on Sunday, their first game without a win in 11 games. However, they still finished first in Group B and advanced for the Copa America quarterfinals.
Brazil’s first setback since falling 1-0 to Argentina in a friendly in November 2019, was the 1-1 draw in an empty stadium in central Brazil.
Because the hosts had already qualified first in Group B, a number of regulars were rested, with Gabriel Barbosa, Everton, Douglas Luiz and Fabinho among those who were given a chance right immediately.
Despite the fact that Brazil led 1-0 at halftime owing to defender Eder Militao’s spectacular header, most of the changes failed to excite, despite the fact that Lucas Paqueta was a dazzling presence in a team that lacked Neymar’s forward inventiveness.
Brazil were held to a stalemate in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, with Ecuadorian substitution Angel Mena equalizing with a thunderous shot after 53 minutes.
Despite this, neither team had many clear-cut chances and the game finished in a draw, which was satisfactory to both teams.
After defeating Venezuela 1-0 in the other Group B match, Peru advanced to the quarterfinals alongside Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. Venezuela was knocked out of the tournament.
Venezuela had at least eight players tested positive for COVID-19 early in the tournament, forcing the Venezuelans to isolate themselves.
After the final round of Group A matches on Monday, the quarter-final pairings will be determined.
Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay have already qualified for the quarterfinals.
Bolivia on the other hand have already been eliminated, after losing their first three games.
