Brazil showed touches of magic but a lack of killer instinct as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Ecuador in their Copa America Group B opener on Saturday. But star Neymar, is skipping the Copa America to play in the Olympics, which his nation hosts in August.
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Ecuador on the other hand have never won the Copa America, however a win this week against tournament favourites Brazil could spark the start of something special.
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson let a cross squeak through him to presumably give Ecuador the lead, but the assistant referee blindly decided that the ball had gone out of play-which it most certainly did not-and thus the goal was disallowed. Brazilian goalie Alisson dropped the ball, and it went over the line. According to OptaJavier, the Brazilians out-passed their opponents 647-271 and had 70 percent of possession over the course of the match.
After standing its ground, Ecuador won more of the ball in the final 15 minutes of the first half and put Brazil on its heels.
That was the highlight of the second half, after an entertaining start to proceedings, which was reflected in the stands as the Mexican wave swept through the stadium. Ecuador’s Arturo Mina picked up Ecuador’s first yellow card of the match two minutes after the intermission after fouling Coutinho.
Neymar, Brazil’s captain, watched from the executive boxes.
A controversial refereeing decision spared Brazil’s blushes at the Copa America Centenario as the five-time world champions opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Ecuador.
Costa Rica’s best chance of the opening exchanges came from a free-kick taken quickly by Joel Campbell in the 17th minute, but Bryan Ruiz’s header was straight at goalkeeper Justo Villar.
With just a day left to begin the Copa America, here’s a look at seven things to look out for in the centenary edition of the traditional football tournament.
Apart from Neymar, Dunga is said to have chosen Chelsea midfielder Willian and Inter Milan defender Miranda to be among his mature-age quota.
The result leaves Colombia, who beat the United States in Friday’s opener, alone at the top of the group with three points.
Peru looked to be cruising to three points but had a scare in the dying seconds when Haiti’s Kervens Belfort somehow headed wide from close range with the goal at his mercy.
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Flores’ shot hit the post in the 45th minute, Peru’s best chance before halftime.
