Brazil wins World Cup qualifier amid crisis off the pitch

Amid a possible player revolt, Brazil beat Ecuador 2-0 on Friday to win its fifth consecutive match in South American World Cup qualifying.

It now leads the round-robin tournament with 15 points, four ahead of second-place Argentina. It appears all but certain that Brazil will qualify for four direct spots for Qatar 2022.

Richarlison opened the scoring in the 65th minute at the Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre and Neymar added the second from the spot in added time. Both goals were celebrated with the entire team around the coach.

Ecuador's soccer players react after losing 2-0 against Brazil at the end of a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Friday, June 4, 2021. (AP PhotoAndre Penner)

But a crisis looms over the team since its country was appointed as host of Copa America. Players suggested Friday that they are not willing to play the tournament at home because the COVID-19 pandemic continues to kill thousands of Brazilians per day. More than 470,000 have died so far.

Tite's post-match press conference was one of the team's most anticipated in years after he spent the day hearing rumors he could resign before Copa America begins.

The coach admitted on Thursday his players had discussed with the president of the Brazilian soccer confederation (CBF), Rogerio Caboclo, whether they should play the continental tournament. A final answer on the issue is expected for after the match against Paraguay on Tuesday.

Brazil's Neymar, right, celebrates with Brazil's Lucas Paqueta after scoring his side's second goal on a penalty kick against Ecuador during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Friday, June 4, 2021. (AP PhotoAndre Penner)

Copa America was originally scheduled to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina. Two weeks ago, Colombia was forced to withdraw because of social unrest. And this past week, Argentina declined to host it because of a similar worsening of the pandemic.

Midfielder Casemiro, who was prevented from speaking to media on Thursday, said after Friday's win against Ecuador that “the players' position is very clear. More clear than this is impossible for now.”

“We want to speak after the match against Paraguay because we don't want to lose our focus,” the team captain said. “This is the World Cup for us.”

Brazil's Neymar scores his side's second goal on a penalty kick during a qualifying soccer match against Ecuador for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Friday, June 4, 2021. Brazil won 2-0. (AP PhotoAndre Penner)

The midfielder added any decision “will come from all" Brazil players. Local media said earlier that footballers of European clubs were leading the charge to not play in Copa America.

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Ecuador's goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez, bottom, reacts after losing 2-0 against Brazil at the end of a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Friday, June 4, 2021. (AP PhotoAndre Penner)

Brazil's Neymar, right, celebrates with Brazil's Lucas Paqueta after scoring his side's second goal on a penalty kick against Ecuador during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Friday, June 4, 2021. (AP PhotoAndre Penner)

Brazil's Gabriel Barbosa reacts during a qualifying soccer match against Ecuador for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Friday, June 4, 2021. (AP PhotoAndre Penner)

Brazil's Lucas Paqueta, left, and Ecuador's Jordy Caicedo fight for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Friday, June 4, 2021. (AP PhotoAndre Penner)