### Ancelotti’s Debut with Brazil Ends in a Tough Draw Against Ecuador

In a challenging initiation as manager of the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti faced a formidable Ecuadorian side in World Cup qualifying, resulting in a goalless draw. Renowned for their defensive prowess, Ecuador has now conceded just five goals in their last 15 qualification matches. Despite being handed a three-point deduction, they stand second in the table, trailing only the already-qualified champions, Argentina.

Ancelotti took the helm of Brazil this summer, hopeful to rejuvenate the team’s historic success. For his first match, he made some daring decisions, notably granting young talent Estêvão Willian his first senior start. Estêvão recently impressed with Palmeiras, scoring four goals in five Copa Libertadores appearances and adding three assists early in the Série A season. However, against Ecuador, Estêvão struggled to make a significant impact, facing a tightly controlled midfield led by Moisés Caicedo, who played the entire match. Kendry Páez remained on the bench as an unused substitute.

Later in the match, Ancelotti introduced young Andrey Santos in an attempt to break through Ecuador’s steadfast defense, but Ecuador’s backline held firm, maintaining their clean sheet.

Pre-match, Ancelotti expressed high praise for Estêvão, calling him an extraordinarily talented player with immense creativity and potential. “He is very young and has much to learn, but he has all the characteristics to be a very important player for the future of the national team,” Ancelotti noted, underscoring the bright future he envisions for the young star.