Electric Estevao inspires Brazil victory over Ecuador

Estevao Willian produced a wonderful individual performance to inspire Brazil to a 3-1 victory over Ecuador in a compelling Round of 16 encounter.

The Palmeiras star netted a brace to help his team set up a potential quarter-final with fierce rivals Argentina.

Brazil’s opener came on 14 minutes, with the electric Estevao taking the ball away from defender Jair Collahuazo with a deft touch before rifling a precision low strike into the far corner.

Ecuador responded well and got back on level terms on the stroke of half-time. The ball fell kindly to captain and talisman Michael Bermudez inside the box, and he stroked in a cool finish.

Estevao almost put Brazil back in front shortly after the interval, hitting the woodwork with a shot from a tight angle.

Ecuador came even closer on the hour, with Keny Arroyo coming within fractions of a potential Goal of the Tournament winner. The midfielder took aim with a free-kick from all of 40 yards and his powerful, dipping effort cannoned off the inside of the post.

It was A Seleção who struck next, however. Estevao’s class was evident throughout, but he benefitted from a huge slice of luck for his second goal, with his free-kick taking a wicked deflection and wrong-footing goalkeeper Cristhian Loor.

In the dying moments, substitute Luighi then tapped in following a fine cross from Pedro Lima to secure Brazil’s progress. They will meet Argentina or Venezuela in Jakarta on Friday.

Source: FIFA

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