Neymar, Gabriel Jesus lead Brazil past Ecuador in World Cup qualifier
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Gabriel Jesus scored twice and Neymar notched the other, giving Brazil a 3-0 victory over Ecuador on Thursday and making it a perfect start for new coach Tite in his first match in charge.
With the match scoreless and evenly played, Neymar broke through with a penalty in the 72nd minute. Gabriel Jesus then scored in the 87th, and got another in stoppage time.
Neymar's penalty came after Gabriel Jesus, better known as "Gabigol", was tripped in the area by Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez. Gabigol then put on his own show, chipping in a back-heel shot from close range and then hammering in an 18-meter (yard) drive.
It was a critical victory for the Brazilians. They survived in the thin air of Quito (2,850 meters/9,350 feet), and got a victory for new coach Adenor Leonardo Bacchi — known universally as Tite (pronounced CHI-che).
He took over when Dunga was fired in June after Brazil failed to reach the knockout stage of the Copa America.
Ecuador played with 10 men after Juan Carlos Paredes was sent off the 75th for second yellow card.
Brazil improved to 12 points in seven games, its first victory after draws in the last two matches under Dunga.
Ecuador stayed on 13 points.