World Cup
Lacklustre Carlo Ancelotti debut as Brazil held to goalless draw at Ecuador
Carlo Ancelotti got off to a disappointing start as Brazil coach in Thursday’s South American World Cup qualifiers, drawing 0-0 against runners-up Ecuador, putting the Italian manager under considerable pressure.
Brazil were unable to break down Ecuador’s organised defence and had few chances in the first half, the clearest coming from a Vinicius Jr attempt assisted by Gerson that was saved by goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle.
Ecuador threatened in the second half when John Yeboah attempted a through ball, but striker Nilson Angulo was caught offside.
Ancelotti’s side created more chances, but failed to capitalise, with Richarlison squandering a well-placed pass from Vinicius Jr in the box and Casemiro’s powerful long-range shot being saved by Valle.
“Of course we always have to improve, but little by little we’re getting better. It’s only been two or three days with a new coach. The dynamic is good, the atmosphere is good. I’m very happy to be back. The atmosphere is excellent,” Casemiro said after the match.
“Ancelotti hasn’t had time to show us his game plan yet. It’s only been two or three days of training,” Vinicius added.
Brazil remain in fourth place with 22 points. Ancelotti was appointed as the new coach only last month, tasked with pulling the team back from a difficult period — a challenging mission as they seek to become six-time world champions.
Their next opponents are third-placed Paraguay, who won 2–0 against Uruguay earlier.
Meanwhile, Ecuador are closer to qualifying, remaining in second place with 24 points. The top six teams qualify directly for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. They play ninth-placed Peru on Tuesday.
-Reuters
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
History will be on the line when New Zealand and Egypt meet in Group G as both nations seek their first victory at the FIFA World Cup.
Neither side has managed to record a win at the 2026 tournament so far, making the encounter a crucial opportunity to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
The match will also mark a landmark occasion for New Zealand, who will face African opposition at the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Egypt, one of Africa’s most experienced football nations, are equally desperate to secure three points after a difficult start to their campaign. The Pharaohs know that victory could breathe new life into their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
For New Zealand, the game offers an opportunity to achieve a breakthrough result on football’s biggest stage and further establish themselves among the emerging nations at the tournament.
With both teams chasing a historic first World Cup triumph, the encounter is expected to be fiercely contested as they battle to keep their dreams alive.
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