Johannesburg : Brazil, which are playing without their star striker Neymar, were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Ecuador in their Copa America opening group match at Rose Bowl Stadium in California.
Brazilian captain Neymar was barred by Barcelona from playing in Copa America due to an agreement between the club and the country. He chose to represent Brazil this summer in the Rio Olympics over Copa America.
Brazil, who are in the Group B, failed to score despite having a number of chances and settled with a 0-0 draw in front of a huge crowd of 53,158, Sport24 reported.
Brazil had clear-cut opportunities to score when Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho forced a corner from close and Paris Saint Germain winger Lucas Lima’ header missed the target.
Ecuador too had a chance to open their account through a 25-yard free-kick from West Ham forward Enner Valencia, which was easily saved by Brazil goal keeper Alisson Becker.
Brazil will play their next match against Haiti at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Thursday. (ANI)