Ecuador vs Brazil prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2025-06-05 23:00.
[p]Considering that they have been deducted three points for the use of false birth documents for Byron Castillo – an offence committed in the last FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle – few would have expected to see Ecuador in second spot in the CONMEBOL section as we enter the final four matchdays. That is exactly where Sebastián Beccacece’s side find themselves ahead of this showdown with Brazil though, and they know that victory here – coupled with a Venezuela draw against Bolivia – would send them to the 2026 World Cup in North America. [/p]
[p]That would mean successive appearances at the tournament for the hosts, but first they must find a way to end a current 13-match H2H winless streak (D4, L9) – a run which started in October 2006! Their last H2H victory came on home soil in a World Cup qualifier (WCQ), which could prove a lucky omen for Ecuador at least, and a repeat of that result would not exactly surprise, as La Tri have conceded just five goals in this qualifying campaign overall – the best such CONMEBOL record. [/p]
[p]Brazil arrive here under new management, as one of football’s worst-kept secrets was finally confirmed last month, with Carlo Ancelotti departing Real Madrid to take charge of the five-time World Cup champions. In doing so, he became the first foreign manager in the team’s history, but just like those who have come before him, his target is clear: to win football’s most famous prize in July next year. [/p]
[p]Before then, the experienced Italian needs to guide his side to qualification, as he looks to address Brazil’s record of just one win in their last four WCQs (D2, L1). A suspect defence has been a major reason for that underwhelming form, with seven goals conceded in that sequence, which includes a 4-1 defeat to fierce rivals Argentina last time out! [/p]
[p]Players to watch: With Ecuador’s all-time top scorer Enner Valencia an injury doubt, Gonzalo Plata could take centre stage after he netted a brace in his second-to-last home international. Brazil’s Raphinha will be hoping to replicate his fantastic club goalscoring form, after netting 34 times in 57 games for Barcelona this season to put himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Just one of Ecuador’s last 11 WCQs saw both teams score. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans[/i][/p]