Brazil held by Ecuador in qualifiers

Brazil had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Ecuador in a remarkable World Cup qualifier on Thursday after Felix Torres’ header 15 minutes from time cancelled out an early Casemiro strike.

The incident-packed clash saw both sides have a player sent off inside the first 20 minutes and Brazil goalkeeper Alisson shown a red card on two occasions only for both to be rescinded after consultation with the Video Assistant referee (VAR).

Ecuador had a goal chalked off and two penalty awards rescinded via VAR, including one in stoppage time. Casemiro had put Brazil ahead after five minutes when he hammered home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez was red carded after 15 minutes for a reckless challenge, and Brazil fullback Emerson Royal was dismissed five minutes later for a second yellow card following a clumsy tackle.

Ecuador’s match against Brazil ebbed and flowed but was enthralling throughout, especially in the opening half hour.

Already a goal down, Ecuador’s keeper Dominguez was shown a red card for a neck-high challenge that felled Matheus Cunha on the edge of the box. But moments later Brazil’s Emerson Royalgot a second yellow for a clumsy intervention.

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson looked like he would be the third player sent off after 25 minutes but following a lengthy delay Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan overturned the decision.

Ecuadorthought they might snatch all three points when they were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. Alisson felled Ayrton Preciado in attempting to punch the ball clear and was again shown a red card, but after consulting VAR the referee overturned both the penalty award and red card.