An Ecuador side fighting to keep their Copa America hopes alive managed to hold a previously perfect Brazil — playing without a resting Neymar — to a 1-1 draw on Sunday and reach the quarter-finals.
Seeking to extend a 10-match winning streak, Brazil came out pressuring in Goiania on the group’s final match day.
A free kick in the 37th minute set up Eder Militao, who headed the ball at a sharp angle into the top right corner of the net, well clear of Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez’s outstretched arm.
But facing the specter of an early exit, Ecuador came out fighting in the second half.
They got the equalizer in the 53rd minute, as Brazil tried to clear a corner kick.
Enner Valencia managed to head it back the other way, setting up Angel Mena, who sprinted in to fire the ball past Alisson.
In other match, Peru finished the group stage on a high note after a spectacular turnaround.
The Incas opened the tournament with a 4-0 thrashing by Brazil.
But they went on to defeat Colombia, then battle back from 2-0 down against Ecuador on Wednesday to secure a draw.
They added three more points Sunday thanks to Andre Carrillo, who capitalized on Venezuela’s clumsy failure to clear a corner in the 48th minute in Brasilia.
Brazil finished the group stage as heavy favourites with 10 points from four matches — three points clear of runners-up Peru in Group B.
Colombia finished third with four points and Ecuador fourth with three.