Brace from both Alexandre Pato and Neymar helped Brazil to overcome Ecuador 4-2 in the final group B match at Cordoba. This win sets up a rematch with Paraguay in the quarters.
Brazil cruise through to Quarter Finals
Brazil and Ecuador both needing a win to ensure qualification, both started the game brightly. Pre- tournament favorite Brazil’s lackluster play in the previous group matches where not evident in this match and they looked to take the initiative from the starting whistle. The game’s first chance fell to Neymar whose long range effort was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Ecuadorian keeper Marcelo Elizaga. Brazil were dominating possession and were passing the ball crisply.
Brazil finally took the lead on 28th minute. Left back Andre Santos curled a cross from the left wing which was met by Pato inside the box. Pato attacked the near post and guided the ball passed Elizaga, it was a well worked goal by Brazil. Brazil could have doubled their lead in 36 minutes when Robinho’s shot struck the left hand post and went out. But Ecuador crawled back into the game when Felipe Caicedo grabbed a Christian Benitez pass and shot straight at Julio Cesar but the Brazilian goalie fumbled and the ball went into the net. Ecuador boosted by the goal, attacked at the dying minutes of the 1st half but Julio Cesar redeemed himself by making a good right handed stop from Michael Arroyo’s shot. The scores were level at half time.
Brazil were quickly out of the blocks after the match restarted and found a goal within 3 minutes of the 2nd half. Neymar fired home a Ganso cross at 48th minute to give Brazil a 2-1 lead. Ecuador refused to give in and Caicedo again stepped up for Ecuador at 58 minutes by beating Cesar at his near post making the scoreline 2-2. But this scoreline lasted only 3 minutes; Pato grabbed his brace by scoring from a rebound of Eligaza. Brazil killed off the tie at 71 minutes when Neymar converted a Maicon cross from six yards out. It could have been 5 for Brazil, but Robinho’s goal at the end was questionably chalked off.
After Argentina rising to the challenge Brazil also proved why they are the defending champions of the tournament. After scraping a lucky draw against Paraguay in the group stage, the quarter final clash will be a very even contest.
Quarter Final lineup:
Colombia vs Peru – 17/07/2011
Argentina vs Uruguay – 17/07/2011
Brazil vs Paraguay – 18/07/2011
Chile vs Venezuela – 18/07/2011
Tags: Brazil, Copa America 2011, Ecuador, Football, Quarter Final, Quarter Finals
