Carlo Ancelotti probably would’ve preferred different opposition for his first game as manager of the Brazilian national team, having to match up against a sneaky-good and very stingy Ecuador team in World Cup qualifying. In fact, after Thursday night’s 0-0 draw, Ecuador have now conceded just five (5) goals in their 15 qualifiers and despite a three-point deduction, sit second in the table behind the already-qualified defending champions, Argentina.
Brazil made the change to Ancelotti this summer — congrats! — to help them recover their expected glories, and he made a couple bold calls for his first game in charge. That included a first senior start handed out to young Estêvão Willian, fresh off an excellent half season with Palmeiras that saw him score four times in five Copa Libertadores games, adding three assists in the opening weeks of the Série A season as well. (He will stay with Palmeiras for the Club World Cup, then come over to London.)
Unfortunately, Estêvão found little joy against Ecuador, who, as usual, were marshalled by Moisés Caicedo in midfield. Caicedo would play the full-90. Kendry Páez went an unused substitute.
Ancelotti introduced young Andrey Santos in the final quarter hour as well, but Ecuador did what Ecuador do best and kept their clean sheet.
So a slightly inauspicious start for Uncle Carlo and our boy Steve, but I’m sure it’ll get only better for both.
> “I see what everyone sees: that he is a player with extraordinary, special talent, very young, and who still has things to learn. Estêvão is a talented player, humble, has drive and personality. He has immense creativity, a ton of qualities”
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> “Obviously, he has all the characteristics to be a very important player for the future of the national team.”
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> \-Carlo Ancelotti, pre-match; source: [Goal](https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/carlo-ancelotti-chelsea-bound-estevao-willian-huge-billing-ex-real-madrid-boss-begins-life-brazil-manager/bltc54c7fe77f26ae9c)