Carlo Ancelotti will make his long-awaited debut as the head coach of Brazil’s national team on Thursday when the five-time World Cup winners travel to Ecuador in one of the final matches of South America’s World Cup qualifying competition.
After 14 games, Brazil have rebounded from a rocky start and currently sit in fourth place in the CONMEBOL standings. With 21 points, they maintain a six-point cushion over seventh-placed Venezuela, currently in the intercontinental playoff position, and a seven-point lead over eighth-placed Bolivia. Although qualification seems nearly certain, the focus for this month’s qualifiers is to secure the necessary points and to impress under Ancelotti’s leadership.
Ecuador, sitting second in the table, looks to solidify their World Cup bid with a win over Brazil, who are yet to achieve victory against them in this qualification cycle.
How to watch Ecuador vs. Brazil, odds
- Date: Thursday, June 5
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo — Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Live stream: Fanatiz
- Odds: Ecuador +280; Draw +210; Brazil +110
Last meeting
Brazil won the last encounter 1-0 in September, with Rodrygo scoring the only goal in a match that was closely contested in terms of shots on goal.
What Ecuador is saying
Beccacece believes the team has improved significantly since their previous encounter with Brazil, stating, “Feeling that you’re growing is key. I’ve seen our team dominate games and improve possession and finishing.”
What Brazil is saying
Ancelotti, who compares his vision for Brazil to his former club Real Madrid, aims to instill high-level play and confidence in the team. Captain Marquinhos sees Ancelotti’s experience as pivotal to rapid team improvement.
Predicted lineups
Ecuador: Hernan Galindez, Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Pervis Estupinan, Alan Minda, Enner Valencia, Darwin Guagua
Brazil: Alisson, Augusto, Marquinhos, Leo Ortiz, Lucas Beraldo, Casemiro, Ederson, Bruno Guimaraes, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior
Player to watch
Vinicius Junior, Brazil: Known for his exceptional talent, Vinicius has become a key player for Real Madrid and has yet to break through at the national level. His performance could reshape Brazil’s trajectory heading into the World Cup.
Storyline to watch
This debut comes with expectations for Ancelotti to transform Brazil from a struggling side into a formidable contender on the world stage before the World Cup.
Prediction
While Brazil faces tough odds, their high-quality roster gives them an edge. Expect a competitive match with Brazil slightly favored to take home the win.
