Reuters
Quito, Sept 2: A decisive performance from Gabriel Jesus, who scored twice and made another goal, gave Brazil a deserved 3-0 win over Ecuador here Thursday and helped get their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia back on track. This was Brazil’s first victory after three successive drawn games.
Neymar slotted home a penalty after Gabriel Jesus was brought down in 71 minutes. The Palmerias forward (Jesus) doubled their lead 17 minutes later when he cleverly flicked home a cross from full back Marcelo. He got his second and Brazil’s third in injury time when he completed a counter-attack with a curling shot from the edge of the box.
Although Ecuador started well, tormenting Brazil down the flanks, there were few chances for either side in a scrappy first half.
Brazil came into the game in the second period and were helped when Juan Carlos Paredes got a red card just moments after the visitors had opened the scoring.
The result lifted Brazil into fourth place in the 10-team South American group. The top four teams in the group qualify automatically for Russia 2018 and the fifth-placed side go into an intercontinental play-off. Bolivia beat Peru 2-0 earlier Thursday while Colombia beat Venezuela by the same scoreline.
