Rodrygo Shows That the Absence of a Ballon d’Or Is a MISTAKE After His Outstanding Performance and Game-Winning Goal Propel Brazil Back into the Top 4 of the South American Qualifiers.
On September 7, in the morning of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Brazil defeated Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a goal from Real Madrid’s top striker Rodrygo.
Objective: Rodrygo 30′
Brazil outperformed Ecuador at home at Couto Pereira. Coach Dorival Junior’s team controlled the ball 75% in the first 20 minutes, and launched many attacks towards the opponent’s goal.
They quickly had the game-winning goal in the thirtyth minute. Rodrygo received the ball outside the penalty area, shot, hit an Ecuadorian defender, changed direction and beat goalkeeper Galindez.
This is the 23-year-old striker’s seventh goal for Brazil, and his second in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
On September 7, in the morning, Rodrygo (centre) celebrates scoring in the Brazil 1-0 Ecuador match. Image: AP
On September 7, in the morning, Rodrygo (centre) celebrates scoring in the Brazil 1-0 Ecuador match. Image: AP
The only goal made the game more intense. The players from Brazil were prepared to play with aggression in order to stop Ecuador from moving forward. In the 32nd minute, Arsenal defender Gabriel made a decisive tackle on Kevin Rodriguez, making the Ecuadorian players angry. 12 minutes later, Gabriel continued to pass Kevin Rodriguez, neutralizing the dangerous attack of the away team.
On the other side of the pitch, Brazil’s attack was lacking ideas, despite the cheers of the home fans. The trio of Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Paqueta could not find a common voice.
In the 45+4 minute, Ecuador missed the chance to equalize. In a face-to-face with goalkeeper Alisson, Moises Caicedo failed to chip the ball. After the ball bounced back, the Chelsea midfielder continued to shoot, but Gabriel blocked it right on the goal line.
After the break, Ecuador continued to attack in search of an equalizer. In the 53rd minute, the away team even pushed their defense into Brazil’s half to put pressure.
On the other hand, Brazil tried to use their individual skills, but failed. In the 58th minute, Paqueta chipped the ball for Herique to rush down, but the Ecuadorian defense intervened in time. In the 73rd minute, Vinicius could only shoot into the side of the net after dribbling past goalkeeper Galindez.
The two teams interrupted the match several times with fierce clashes. Arana had to leave the field in the 74th minute after a collision with Valencia. Lucas Moura then came on as a substitute and was immediately booked for a foul on Gruezo.
In the final minutes, the Brazilian players continuously passed the ball to each other to prolong the time. They successfully secured the three points when the referee ended the match in the 90+4 minute.
With the narrow win, Brazil overtook Ecuador to move up to fourth in the South American qualifying round. Dorival Junior’s team has 10 points after seven games, behind Argentina with 18, Uruguay with 14 and Colombia with 12. Ecuador is sixth with eight points, one point behind Venezuela.
The top six teams in the South American qualifiers will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup . The seventh-placed team will have to play a play-off match against another continental representative. Brazil will play its next match against Paraguay on September 11.
