Brazil player ratings vs Ecuador: Brilliant Rodrygo leads Selecao to crucial World Cup qualifying win

Rodrygo came to the rescue as Brazil beat Ecuador 1-0 in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Friday night.

The Selecao They were put through the wringer by Moises Caicedo and La Tricolore, but the Real Madrid star’s incredible first-half goal made all the difference.

Rodrygo’s opener, which ultimately proved to be the winning goal, came in the 30th minute off an assist from Lucas Paqueta. The winger received the ball on his left foot, switched to his right and fired a 20-yard shot that sailed past the keeper and into the back of the net, giving his team the win. the Selecao a 1-0 lead.

After a disappointing performance at the 2024 Copa America, where Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals, Dorival Junior’s team bounced back with a victory in front of their home crowd.

Ecuador did not make it easy for the home side. The visitors’ best chance came in added time of the first half when Chelsea midfielder Caicedo found himself 1-on-1 with Alisson. However, the Liverpool goalkeeper made a great save to deny him. It was the last meaningful chance for the visitors. The Tricolor.

With the three points, the Selecao The Colombians move up in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings to 10 points, overtaking La Tricolor and Venezuela from seventh to fourth place. After seven matches of the 2026 cycle, they now have 10 points.

Brazil return to action on Tuesday as they look to secure six points from two games, with Paraguay at home the Selecao in their next World Cup qualifying match.

AIM evaluates the Brazilian players at the Estádio Major Antônio Couto Pereira…