2002 World Cup - Brazil 3 Ecuador 2

Brazil recovered from conceding an early goal against Ecuador in Sao Paolo to register their first win in the 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Two goals from Rivaldo helped to settle a match that was the first home game in the World Cup for the South American stars since 1993.

Ecuador veteran Alex Aguinaga - a star for Necaxa in January when they reached the semi finals of the World Club Cup in Brazil - gave his side an early lead when he controlled the ball 25 metres from goal and lifted an exquisite chip across and over the home goalkeeper Dida for an exceptional goal in the 12th minute. The artistic Aguinaga did not complete the half and left the pitch in the 39th minute after a knee injury.

The visitors could only enjoy their advantage for five minutes before Rivaldo levelled the score line. The Barcelona star controlled the ball with his back to goal and shot low into the net on the turn.

Defender Antonio Carlos put the home side into the lead with two minutes left in the half. Ecuador failed to clear a corner that the Brazil defence had been sent up field to attack and Carlos was on hand to flick the ball into the net when it was crossed back in front of the target.

Ecuador goalkeeper Francisco Cevallos wrecked his side's confidence as they chased the game when he let a header from Amoroso slip away from him and into the path of Rivaldo who steered the ball into the net.

The 76th minute saw Ecuador get back into the game again in a revival after Ulises de la Cruz swerved into the penalty area to launch a shot into the top corner but a brave fight for a well earned draw was just beyond them in front of an agitated and nervy home crowd.