Rodrygo’s Goal Lifts Brazil Over Ecuador, Suarez’s Farewell Ends in Draw with Paraguay

In a crucial World Cup qualifying match, Brazil secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador, thanks to a decisive goal from Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. The Brazilian forward’s shot, deflected by Ecuador’s Willian Pacho, found the net in the 30th minute, marking the only goal of the match. This win is a significant boost for Brazil, who have struggled in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Prior to Friday’s match in Curitiba, Brazil was languishing in sixth place in the South American standings. With this win, they have moved up to fourth place with 10 points from seven matches. Despite the improvement, they still trail leaders Argentina by eight points. The expanded 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, offers an opportunity for the top six South American teams to secure a spot, while the seventh-placed team will face an inter-confederation play-off.

Brazil's performance against Ecuador was a reflection of their recent struggles. Although they dominated possession, their attacking efforts were subdued, registering only three shots on target throughout the match. Rodrygo’s goal came after he received the ball on the edge of the area, took a touch, and launched a 25-yard strike that clipped a defender before hitting the post and going in.

Suarez's Emotional Farewell Marred by Draw

In other South American qualifiers, Luis Suarez experienced a bittersweet farewell to international football as Uruguay drew 0-0 with Paraguay in Montevideo. The 37-year-old, who has announced his retirement from international duty after a distinguished 17-year career, was honored in a pre-match ceremony where he received tributes from fans and a video message from his close friend Lionel Messi.

Suarez, Uruguay’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 143 appearances, was unable to add to his tally in his final international match. Despite Uruguay dominating with 65% possession, they were unable to penetrate Paraguay’s resolute defense. The match, marked by 24 fouls, saw Suarez and three other Uruguayan players receive yellow cards in a scrappy affair.

Suarez’s departure comes after a career that saw him achieve great success and also face controversies, including a notable suspension for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup. With this result, Uruguay remains in second place in the standings with 14 points from seven games, trailing Argentina by four points.

In another qualifying fixture, Luis Diaz scored a late equalizer for Colombia, earning them a 1-1 draw against Peru in Lima. After Alexander Callens had given Peru a surprise lead in the 68th minute, Diaz’s header eight minutes from time salvaged a point for Colombia, who now sit in third place with 13 points from seven matches.