Casemiro and Matheus Cunha both featured as Brazil were held to a goalless draw by Ecuador, in Carlo Ancelotti’s first game in charge.
The Selecao would have taken a big step towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with victory in the qualifier, held in Guayaquil.
Casemiro was named in the starting XI, returning to the side for the first time since October 2023, and the United midfielder played the full 90 minutes.
In a contest of few chances, the 33-year-old came closest to finding a breakthrough for Brazil, heading wide in the first half and testing Ecuador goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle in the closing stages.
By then Cunha had been introduced from the bench but the Reds’ prospective new signing found little joy against a defence which has conceded just five goals in 15 qualifiers so far.
“Little by little we will grow,”
Casemiro said. “We had a strong, solid defensive system tonight.”
The 0-0 stalemate means Brazil still have work to do if they are to maintain their ever-present record at the World Cup finals.
They sit fourth in the 10-team table, seven points clear of Venezuela in the inter-confederation play-off spot, although La Vinotinto do have a game in hand as they host Bolivia on Friday night.
Uruguay may also have one eye on that fixture, as their winless – and goalless – streak continued in Paraguay.
Goals from Matias Galarza and Julio Enciso decided the meeting in Asuncion, helping Paraguay leapfrog their opponents in the table.
Manuel Ugarte started and finished the tie and will hope to be involved again next week when Marcelo Bielsa’s side host Venezuela.
The two-time world champions began the campaign well but have won just one qualifier since November 2023.
Brazil, meanwhile, entertain Paraguay in Sao Paulo – the home city of Casemiro and Antony, who is also in Ancelotti’s squad.
Both sides still look likely to join Argentina in booking a spot in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, because six South American nations are guaranteed a place at the finals.
The seventh-placed team in the standings will join teams from Africa, Asia, North America and Oceania in the play-offs.