Neymar-less Brazil held to goalless draw by Ecuador
Neither Brazil nor Ecuador could break the deadlock at the Copa America game. The Copa Centenario Group B fixture ended goalless in Pasadena. Most of the attention was focused on Neymar in the stands.
Neymar-less Brazil held to goalless draw by Ecuador
Brazil are playing without their star striker Neymar. They were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Ecuador in their Copa America opening group match at Rose Bowl Stadium in California.
After an exciting start at the Rose Bowl, Saturday’s match finished with a 0-0 draw. Though the plot had a disallowed goal for Ecuador. They were unfortunate not to claim all three points.
Brazilian captain Neymar was barred by Barcelona from playing in Copa America. It was due to an agreement between the club and the country. Instead he chose to represent Brazil this summer in the Rio Olympics over Copa America.
Brazil are in the Group B. And they failed to score despite having a number of chances. They finally settled with a 0-0 draw. It was in front of a huge crowd of 53,158.
Brazil were forced into two substitutes after edging Panama in their final pre-Copa fixture. Miranda was dropped to the bench for a muscle problem in the build-up. Luiz Gustavo dropped out of the squad completely because of personal problems. Douglas Santos made way as Marquinhos, Casemiro and Filipe Luis came into the team.
Brazil had clear-cut opportunities to score during the match. Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho forced a corner from close. But Paris Saint Germain winger Lucas Lima’ header somehow missed the target.
Ecuador too had a chance to open their account. It came through a 25-yard free-kick from West Ham forward Enner Valencia. But it was easily saved by Brazil goal keeper Alisson Becker.
Brazil will play their next match against Haiti at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Thursday.
