In his first match as Brazil's head coach, Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti failed to change the face of a Canarinha side that continues to underwhelm. The goalless draw against Ecuador in Guayaquil left more doubts than answers. While the coach called it “a valuable point,” the performance was once again lackluster and uninspired.

Ancelotti, who just weeks ago was coaching Real Madrid, described his debut as “special” but admitted the team must improve significantly ahead of their clash with Paraguay. “It was a solid game defensively, but we need more fluidity with the ball,” he said. Although he praised Vinícius Júnior's performance, the team was far from dominant.

Brazil’s harsh reality and Ancelotti’s justifications

Despite the individual talent in the squad, Brazil once again failed to show any collective identity. They started with some control, but gradually lost ground to a well-organized and defensively solid Ecuador team, which remains unbeaten at home in the South American qualifiers and now sits second with 24 points.

After the match, Ancelotti complained about the state of the pitch at the Estadio Monumental, claiming it hindered their passing game. “I don't want it to sound like an excuse, but it was difficult to move the ball,” he said. He also explained the substitutions of Richarlison and Estevão as attempts to inject energy into the team. However, neither the changes nor the individual efforts managed to break the deadlock.

Brazil, now with 22 points, sits provisionally in fourth place and still lacks a clear playing identity. With just two clear chances —a first-half effort from Vinícius and a second-half shot by Casemiro— the team was stopped by an inspired Gonzalo Valle, who made his debut in goal for Ecuador.

The side led by Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece also held their ground. While they didn’t create much danger, they looked compact and took control of the match in the final stages. Ecuador's defense has conceded just five goals in fifteen qualifiers —a testament to their solidity.

Next Tuesday, Brazil will host Paraguay in a crucial match. Although Ancelotti expressed optimism, pressure is mounting and excuses are wearing thin. The once-dominant footballing powerhouse now seems stuck in a transition that has yet to take flight.