AMID a possible player revolt, Brazil beat Ecuador 2-0 Friday to win its fifth consecutive match in South American World Cup qualifying. Brazil now leads the round-robin tournament with 15 points, four ahead of second-place Argentina. It appears all but certain that Brazil will qualify for one of the four direct South American spots for Qatar 2022. Gabriel Barbosa had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half before Richarlison opened the scoring in the 65th minute with a powerful shot from close range. Neymar assisted on the first goal and added the second from the spot in added time. The penalty was awarded after a video review, which also allowed Brazil’s No. 10 to take a second chance after being stopped by goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez. Both goals were celebrated with the entire team around coach Tite. All players escorted Tite to the dressing room after the match. Drama has been brewing around the team since Brazil agreed to host Copa America. Team captain Casemiro suggested Friday that the players don’t want to be at the tournament at home while Brazilians are still dying in large numbers from COVID-19. More than 470,000 Brazilians have died so far from the coronavirus. Copa America was originally scheduled to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina. Colombia was forced to withdraw because of social unrest and Argentina last week declined to host the continental tournament because of a worsening of the pandemic. Tite’s post-match news conference was highly anticipated after rumors swirled during the day that he could resign before Copa America begins. The coach avoided giving details of what is to come, but did not rule out leaving the job. (SD-Agencies) |