Rodrygo came to Brazil’s aid as they beat Ecuador 1-0 in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Friday night.

The Seleção were put to the test by Moises Caicedo and La Tricolor, but the Real Madrid star’s incredible goal in the first half made the difference.

Rodrygo’s first and ultimately decisive goal came in the 30th minute after an assist from Lucas Paqueta. The winger received the ball with his left foot, switched to his right and shot the ball past the goalkeeper from 20 metres into the net, which the Seleção a 1-0 lead.

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

Ecuador did not make it easy for the home team. The best chance for the visitors came in injury time of the first half, when Chelsea midfielder Caicedo was 1-1 against Alisson. However, the Liverpool goalkeeper made a great save and prevented the shot. That was the last big chance for The tricolor.

With the three points the Seleção climbed to 10 points in the CONMEBOL WCQ standings, overtaking La Tricolor and Venezuela from seventh to fourth place. They now have 10 points after seven games in the 2026 cycle.

Brazil returns to the field on Tuesday looking to pick up six points from two games, hosting Paraguay. the Seleção in their next World Cup qualifying match.

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