Brazil made it five wins from five matches in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Saturday.
The Selecao included Carlos Casemiro in midfield and dropped Richarlison and Neymar Junior up top alongside the further forward Gabi, as injury kept UEFA Champions League winner Thiago Silva out.
It was indeed Richarlison who came up with the first decent threat on 20 minutes from a delivery off a free-kick by Neymar, but the chance went up in the air as the away outfit cleared.
Brazil fired in another chance minutes thereafter through Gabi, who followed up a half-touch from Richarlison but goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez quickly thwarted the move.
Gabi did have the ball in the net courtesy of a composed finish four minutes from halftime, but he was flagged for offside after running far ahead of play.
With no substitutions at the break and following a quiet spell soon after the restart, Brazil decided to throw in Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus for fellow attacker Fred.
This indeed proved the right call by manager Tite as a ball from Neymar midway in the second half led Richarlison to fire beyond Dominguez from the left-side of the six-yard area.
Ecuador, who played second-fiddle throughout the encounter, now found the going even tougher following the breakthrough from the Selecao who as expected targeted more goals.
There was indeed a second in added time which Neymar executed from the penalty spot after a second attempt following an encroachment with substitute Roberto Firmino tripped in the area.
It is a welcome victory for Tite, who see his side maintain their perfect start at the top of the standings.