Overview

• Ancelotti overhauled Brazil’s lineup, recalling Casemiro and Richarlison and handing debuts to defender Alex and teenager Estêvão.
• Ecuador extended its unbeaten home run to 14 matches by stifling Brazil and maintained second place with 24 points.
• Paraguay’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay moved them into third on 24 points and intensified the fight for the six automatic qualification spots.
• Vinicius Jr. struggled to make an impact as his close-range effort was saved by Ecuador debutant goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle.
• Brazil must defeat Paraguay in their next qualifier to bolster their World Cup hopes, relying on other results to stay clear of the playoff zone.