Xtra Time Web Desk: Brazil continued its all win record in the South American leg of the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifiers as they beat Equador 2-0. The Latin American giants are on 15 points from 5 matches, four points clear of second placed Argentina. Richarlison and Neymar scored for the hosts in a lop-sided encounter at Porto Alegre on Friday
Everton forward Richarlison gave Brazil the lead in 20 minutes into the second-half when goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez could not stop his angled near-post shot. Neymar extended the lead during the injury time from penalty after Gabriel Jesus was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The Paris St Germain striker saw his first attempt saved but was allowed to retake the kick after the referee spotted movement before the ball was struck.
Brazil was the better side for most of the match, but struggled to break down a plucky Ecuadoran side which had won three of its previous four qualifiers.
Flamengo’s Gabriel Barbosa, making his first international start in five years, had a goal disallowed for offside three minutes before half time and moments later Dominguez scooped a low drive from Neymar round the post.
The result means Brazil is top of the 10-team South America group. The top four teams in the section qualify automatically for Qatar 2022 and the fifth-placed side goes into an intercontinental play-off.
Brazil’s next game is against Paraguay in Asuncion on June 8, while Ecuador is at home against Peru the same day.