West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta played a key part in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Ecuador overnight as Rodrygo’s strike earned the Seleção a crucial win in their World Cup qualifying campaign. 

Brazil had been in poor form in the qualifiers, they had lost their last three before last night’s victory. Paqueta and his teammates knew it was crucial to get their qualifying campaign back on track. They managed to do that and Paqueta played a key role.

The Hammers’ number 10’s pass from a central midfield position found Real Madrid’s Rodrygo on the edge of the box. The winger touched it out of his feet, touched it past the onrushing defender, and hit it towards the far post and past the keeper.

Paqueta played the most advanced position in a midfield three alongside his best friend and Newcastle midfielder Burno Guimaraes and Andre who recently signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers from Fluminese.

Brazil now have ten points from seven matches played, and sit fourth in the table. The top six teams (out of ten) after 18 matches will directly earn their place in the 2026 World Cup finals, to be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the seventh side will enter a play-off.

Brazil will be hoping and expecting to finish at least in the top four of the table. They will have the opportunity to boost their chances of this in a match against Paraguay on Tuesday.