Brazil held by Ecuador in Eventful Qualifier

Ecuador drew with Brazil thanks to Felix Torres’ second-half header in a tense World Cup qualifier that saw both teams have a player sent off.

Brazil, who had already qualified, took the lead in the fifth minute thanks to Casemiro’s close-range shot.

After 15 minutes, Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez was sent off for a dangerous challenge, followed by Brazil’s Emerson Royal five minutes later.

Although the hosts had a goal disallowed, Torres’ late header salvaged a point for them.

Ecuador is in third place in the 10-nation South American qualification standings, with the top four qualifying for the World Cup automatically.

Brazil and Argentina have already qualified for this year’s finals in Qatar.

In a tense encounter in Quito on Thursday, Brazil goalkeeper Alisson was awarded a red card twice, but both were overturned by VAR.

VAR also reversed two penalty awards for Ecuador, including one in second-half stoppage time.