Brazil draws with Ecuador in their opening match.

CBF – Brazil began its journey in the Copa América Centenario this Saturday (4), at the Rose Bowl stadium, in California (USA), with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. Despite the wide dominance in the first half, the Brazilian team created good chances, but did not score on the stage of the Tetra final and debuted in the tournament with a draw. The team led by coach Dunga returns to the field next Wednesday (8), to face Haiti, at 20:30 pm (Brasília time).

O JOGO

Without feeling the pressure of their debut, Brazil didn't take long to impose their style of play and dominate the action. Despite being superior for practically the entire first half, it was Ecuador that threatened first, in the fourth minute, with a shot from Bolaños. The Brazilian reaction came immediately after, in the fifth minute, with Philippe Coutinho. Willian went down the right flank, crossed low, and found Coutinho arriving at speed inside the area. His first-time shot only failed to find the back of the net due to a great save by Dreer. The Brazilian duo troubled the Ecuadorian defense and created the main goalscoring opportunities. In the 16th minute, the Liverpool midfielder tried his luck from distance, but the powerful shot went wide to the right. Constantly probing the opponent's area, Brazil lacked success in their finishing. Relying on physical strength and counter-attacks, Ecuador created little, and the score remained 0-0.

Without the same impetus as the first 45 minutes, both teams returned from halftime slowing down the pace. Finding it more difficult to break through the Ecuadorian defensive block, Brazil sought to value possession of the ball, but without managing to create danger. With the same strategy as the first half, Ecuador also offered little threat, and the score remained tied until the final whistle. In the 30th encounter between the teams, there were no winners. In total, Brazil has 24 victories, Ecuador two, and there have been four draws.

Brazil: Alisson, Daniel Alves, Marquinhos, Gil, Filipe Luís, Casemiro, Elias (Lucas Lima), Renato Augusto, Willian (Lucas Moura), Philippe Coutinho, Jonas (Gabriel).