Brazil, Ecuador tie; VAR used four times in match

Brazil and Ecuador tied at 1–1 late Thursday afternoon (Jan. 27) in a fixture held as part of the 15th round of the South American World Cup qualifiers. The match took place at the Casa Blanca Stadium, in Quito. Despite superstar Neymar’s absence, coach Tite’s team seized the first opportunity to open the score five minutes into the game with a goal by Casemiro.

At 13 minutes, the video assistant referee (VAR) was used for the first time. Striker Matheus Cunha was hit by goalkeeper Domínguez. After a review, Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán confirmed the fault was out of the penalty area and kicked out the Ecuadorian.

Brazil’s advantage for playing against a team with one fewer athlete was short-lived. In the 19th minute, right-winger Emerson, who had already been shown the yellow card, hit Estrada and was expelled.

Soon afterwards, VAR was consulted again. At 25 minutes, Brazilians goalie Alisson had been sent off after hitting Enner Valencia. Wilmar Roldán, however, reversed his decision and gave Tite’s squad’s goalkeeper just the yellow card.

Early in the second half, another VAR review. At 12, Roldán striker Raphinha stomp on Estupiñán’s foot inside the area. He changed his mind after re-watching the move on video.

Ecuador’s tying goal came at 29 of the final stage. After a pass, Félix Torres went up with Casemiro and sent it deep into the net with his head.

Once again, referee Wilmar Roldán was caught up in a VAR review. At 45, he awarded a penalty following a tackle by keeper Alisson on Ayrton Preciado. He changed his mind after watching it again.

The score keeps Brazil—with its spot at the World Cup in Qatar already secure—atop the ranking in the qualifiers, with 36 points. Ecuador, third on the list with 24 points, stands favorably for the championship late this year. Brazil plays again on Tuesday (Feb. 1) against Paraguay at the Mineiro Stadium, in Belo Horizonte. On the same day, Ecuador is flying to Lima to face Peru.