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#3 No Neymar, no party for Brazil
Neymar has been one of the best players at Copa America 2021, and his contributions to Brazil's attack have been crucial. He inspired them to a comeback against Colombia, something that could have happened against Ecuador as well.
Instead, the Paris Saint-Germain star did not play this game alongside Fred and Gabriel Jesus, while Richarlison and Casemiro came off the bench.
In Neymar's absence, Brazil did not look at their fluent best going forward, with chances being few and far between. The hosts could only muster six shots, of which only three were on target. Neymar's creativity and drive were sorely missed by Brazil, who did not win a game for the first time in more than a year.
#2 Ecuador make it to the quarterfinals without a win
Ecuador had failed to win a single game at Copa America 2021, drawing three of their four games. Despite a draw against Brazil, with three points to their name, they managed to secure a passage into the knockout round of the competition.
Ecuador are the only side in the quarterfinals not to have not won a single game in the competition this year. Their cause was helped by Peru, who beat Venezuela, who had as many as eight players ruled out because of COVID-19 related protocols.
Having missed out on qualification last time around, Ecuador will be happy to have secured a place in the quarter-finals this time around. A draw against Brazil could do wonders to their confidence.
#1 Brazil seem overreliant on their regular starters
Brazil have one of the strongest and most well-balanced squads in the competition at the moment. There is quality in virtually every single position on the pitch. but in the game against Ecuador, they struggled in the absence of a few regular starters.
Neymar was the biggest absentee in their starting XI, and his creativity in the final third was sorely missed. Casemiro's tough-tackling and effortless defending was also missed in midfield. The only player who impressed in the pair's absence was Lucas Paqueta, while the likes of Fabinho, Gabigol and Douglas Luiz failed to impress.
This is not something to be concerned about for Tite, as none of his regular starters are injured at the moment. But he would want his bench players to step up when called upon.
Also Read: 10 highest-paid goalkeepers in the world.
