Stadium: Maracana.
Ecuador have only beaten the Brazilians twice in their 30-match history of head-to-head encounters. Will Gustavo Alfaro’s side be able to improve upon that performance with a sensational win in Porto Alegre? We predict that the Brazilians will once again be closer to success.
Brazil
Brazil are a regular World Cup participant, having not missed a World Cup since 1930. Yes, the last time they were among the medallists was back in 2002, when they won gold in Japan and Korea, but they have also made it to the finals of all subsequent tournaments. There is no doubt that they will also qualify for the 2022 World Cup, as they beat Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela and Uruguay by a combined score of 12-2 in their opening four qualifying games. This is a powerful performance that gives the Pentacampeones a commanding lead in the standings.
Ecuador
Ecuador have made a surprisingly good start to World Cup 2022 qualifying. It is not always the case that the Tricolors have qualified for the World Cup finals, but they have now made a serious bid for success. Yes, in their first game they were defeated by Argentina 0-1, but even in that game they looked good and could pick up points, but in the next three games Ecuador defeated Uruguay 4-2, Bolivia 3-2, and they made fun of Colombia 6-1. Such a powerful run helped Gustavo Alfaro’s side finish third in the standings, with a realistic chance of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
Expert Betting Tips
Ecuador are one of Brazil’s most favourable opponents. The Pentacampeons have won 25 (83%) in their 30-match history of head-to-head encounters. The last two head-to-head encounters were also won by Tite’s side and they are now the clear favourites, although the Ecuadorians have made good progress of late. There is no doubt that the hosts will get three points and comfortably do it, so we suggest betting on Brazil to win with a handicap (-1.5) for 1.24.
Brazil and Ecuador are the two highest-scoring teams in the World Cup 2022 qualifying tournament. The Brazilians have already scored 12 goals (3.00 goals per game average) in their opening four games. The Ecuadorians are even more productive in their attacks, having already scored 13 goals (3.25 goals per game average). Moreover, the opponents are in a very comfortable position in the standings, so the meeting between them will be an open and attacking football and we opt for Total Over 3.5 goals with the odds close to 2.61.
Neymar failed last club season. In France, he played only 18 games and scored nine goals, leaving without the champion title, and in the Champions League, he seemed to perform a little better, scoring six goals in nine games, but he also got out early. That leaves him to find his fortune in the Brazilian national team, where he has already netted three goals in his two World Cup 2022 selection games and is one of the top scorers in the tournament. With that in mind, a bet on Neymar’s goal at around 1.83 is worth considering.
Other predictions
