Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker was sent off twice—and rescued both times by VAR—during his country’s World Cup qualifier 1-1 draw against Ecuador.
Alisson was given his marching orders first in the 26th minute and then in final stoppage time, and both times the video assistant referee came to his rescue to reinstate him into the game.
It was a chaotic match for the South American sides, which also saw Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez and Brazil’s Emerson Royale receive red cards for reckless tackles in the opening 20 minutes.
Casemiro scored for Brazil in the 5th minute while Ecuador’s Felix Torres headed in the equaliser 15 minutes from full time.
Alisson was first shown red when his raised boot hit Enner Valencia in the head. The referee was advised to check the pitch-side monitor, and it was revealed that he got the ball first. The card was downgraded to yellow.
The Liverpool shot-stopper would hit another player in the head in the 91st minute, when he punched an Ecuador when going for the ball. Again, it was shown that he played the ball first.
Brazil have already qualified for the Qatar World Cup, while Ecuador are third in the 10-nation South American qualifying standings. Argentina in second place is the other team that has qualified.
Argentina beat Chile 2-1 in their match today with Angel di Maria and Lautaro Martinez getting on the scoresheet. Luis Suarez scored in Uruguay’s 1-0 win over Paraguay. It ends a run of four defeats for Uruguay, who are fourth on the table.
