Ecuador hold Brazil to attain Copa America quarters
An Ecuador side fighting to keep their Copa America hopes alive were able to hold a previously perfect Brazil -- playing without a resting Neymar -- to a 1-1 draw Sunday and reach the quarter-finals.
Peru meanwhile defeated Venezuela 1-0 in the other Group B match to send the Covid-decimated "Vinotinto" team packing from the South American championships.
Seeking to extend a 10-match winning streak, Brazil arrived pressuring in Goiania on the group's final match day.
Coach Tite opted to rest Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, however the "Selecao" still dominated the first half.
A free activate the 37th minute create Eder Militao, who headed the ball at a sharp angle in to the top right corner of the web, well free from Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez's outstretched arm.
But facing the specter of an early on exit, Ecuador arrived fighting in the next half.
They got the equalizer in the 53rd minute, as Brazil tried to clear a corner kick.
Enner Valencia were able to head it back the other way, setting up Angel Mena, who sprinted directly into fire the ball past Brazil's Alisson.
"We played an excellent first half where we were able to impose our design of play. The first half was superior to the next," said Brazil defender Marquinhos.
"Now we're in the decisive part, the knock-out stage, so we need to work on playing our best football for the full match."
- Peru turnaround -
Peru meanwhile finished the group stage on a higher note after a spectacular turnaround.
The Incas opened the tournament with a 4-0 thrashing by Brazil.
But they continued to defeat Colombia, then battle back from 2-0 down against Ecuador Wednesday to secure a draw.
They added three more points Sunday because of Andre Carrillo, who capitalized on Venezuela's clumsy failure to clear a corner in the 48th minute in Brasilia.
"Peru shouldn't quit what we've been focusing on. I think we've demonstrated our ability to fight throughout the Copa America," said Argentine coach Ricardo Gareca.
Brazil finished the group stage as heavy favourites with 10 points from four matches -- three points free from runners-up Peru in Group B.
Colombia finished third with four points and Ecuador fourth with three.
Venezuela joined Group A side Bolivia as the two teams eliminated from the group stage.
Group A have yet another round of matches Monday, when Uruguay play Paraguay and Bolivia face Argentina.
With the final eight already decided, the real stakes will be deciding whether Chile or Uruguay face defending champions Brazil in the quarter-finals.
