Carlo Ancelotti’s inaugural match as Brazil’s head coach in the South American World Cup qualifiers ended in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate against Ecuador, raising questions about his approach to leading the Seleção. Despite Brazil’s persistent attacking efforts, Ecuador’s well-drilled defence and goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle’s heroics kept the scoreboard unaltered. Richarlison and Casemiro came closest to scoring, but Ecuador’s resilience secured a crucial point.