Football
Qualifying Stage
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PA Sport 8y

Gabriel Jesus, Neymar combine to give Brazil vital win in Ecuador

Gabriel Jesus won a penalty and notched a late brace on his full international debut as new Brazil coach Tite began his reign with a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over 10-man Ecuador in Quito.

Barcelona forward Neymar opened the scoring through a 72nd-minute penalty, and Ecuador defender Juan Carlos Paredes was sent off for two bookable offences four minutes later to further assist the Selecao's cause.

Nineteen-year-old Gabriel, who will join Manchester City from Palmeiras in January, made the result safe on 87 minutes and then added another for good measure in stoppage time.

Former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho - now with Guangzhou Evergrande - was handed a starting berth after being recalled from the international wilderness by his former Corinthians boss, but could not help inspire his side in the first half.

The visitors could not muster a shot on target in an uninspiring first 45 minutes at the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa.

The introduction of Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho just after the hour mark in place of Chelsea's Willian provided the necessary attacking impetus, however, and the increased tempo soon led to the opener.

Gabriel robbed Ecuador defender Mina of possession and was sent tumbling by goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez, allowing Neymar to coolly put Brazil ahead from the spot.

Watford full-back Paredes then saw red for a needless challenge on Renato Augusto, having already been booked, and it did not take long for Brazil to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Gabriel first flicked home a Marcelo cross three minutes from time and then placed a fine curling shot into the corner from 18 yards to seal a convincing away victory which moved Tite's side provisionally up to fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings.

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