Brazil failed to win for the first time in 11 matches, but reached the top of Group B for the quarter-finals of the Copa America after a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in Goiânia on Sunday.
The draw at an empty stadium in central Brazil marked the first time that Brazil had not won as they lost 1–0 to Argentina in a friendly match in November 2019.
The host nation had already qualified for first place in Group B and took several regular rests, with Gabriel Barbosa, Everton, Douglas Luiz, Fabinho and Douglas Lewis among the chances from the start.
Lucas Paqueta was a bright presence in a team that missed out on Neymar's creativity later on, but most substitutions failed to impress, even as Brazil went 1-0 at half time thanks to a skillful header from defender Eder Militao. Took the lead.
Brazil won their first three group games but surprisingly retreated for the first 15 minutes of the second period and substitute एंजेलngel Mena equalized for Ecuador with a thumping drive after 53 minutes.
It was not until Casemiro replaced Douglas Luiz after just one hour that the Brazilian took his position.
Nevertheless, neither side created many clear chances and the game was cut short as a draw favored both teams.
After beating Venezuela 1–0 in the second Group B game with Peru, Peru joined Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador in the quarter-finals as Venezuela pulled out.
Venezuela was hit hard in the early stages of the tournament when at least eight players tested positive for COVID-19 and had to self-isolate.
The quarter-final matchup will be decided on Monday after the final round of Group A fixtures.
Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay have already sealed their places in the last eight.
Bolivia is already out and has lost all three of its matches so far.