After Ballon d'Or Top 30 Snub Rodrygo's INSANE Goal Secures 1-0 Victory for Brazil Over Ecuador

Brazil won a nail-biting World Cup qualifier 1-0 against Ecuador, with Rodrygo scoring the only goal in the 30th minute. With 58% of possession, Brazil dominated the game with 10 shots and three on target. Ecuador showed their tenacious play by fiercely fighting with nine shots and two shots on target. With 10 points from 7 matches, the triumph has now driven Brazil to the fourth place in the South American World Cup qualification ranks. Over the ninety-minute exciting action, the fierce confrontation took place at the Couto Pereira, keeping spectators on the tip of their seats.

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Rodrygo scores an incredible goal against Ecuador 

Real Madrid star Rodrygo scored a goal in the first half and Brazil defeated Ecuador 1-0 on Friday end a three-match losing streak in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The 23-year-old Rodrygo scored with a shot from outside the box that was deflected by a defender to the right post in the 30th minute. This came right after the star Brazilian was left-out of the top 30 nominees list for the Ballon d’Or which was announced this week. Rodrygo has been a great performer for Real Madrid; many were left unhappy after he was not included in the list of the best players in the world. 

Five-time world champion Brazil lost consecutive matches to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina at the end of last year and was in sixth place in the standings after six rounds. The Brazilians now have 10 points and are in fourth place.

The Ecuadorians had a five-game unbeaten streak snapped and remained with eight points in sixth place, the last direct qualifying spot from South American for the World Cup which will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026.

Earlier, striker Luis Suarez retired from his national squad as Uruguay settled for a 0-0 draw at home against Paraguay.

The team managed by Marcelo Bielsa that finished in third place at the last Copa America has 14 points in second place, four fewer than first-place Argentina.

The 37-year-old Suarez had announced that the match against Paraguay was his last with Uruguay. The former Liverpool and Barcelona player retired with 69 goals scored with the national team.

(With AP inputs)