Controversial call helps Brazil escape with a Copa America draw vs. Ecuador

PASADENA, Calif. — Brazil is the bigger name, but Ecuador has been the better national side in recent months.

A bit of controversy kept their Copa America Centenario opener from playing out that way on the pitch.

Miller Bolanos looked to have scored in the 68th minute from a wild, Maicon-like angle on the end line, but the linesman judged the ball to have been out of bounds and Ecuador had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Brazil at the Rose Bowl.

The Ecuadorian supporters erupted with cheers when Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson made a meal of Bolanos’ ball, which was more cross than shot, and let it slip into the near side of the net.

Was it a goal? Judge for yourself.

Here's an even more definitive look, which is rather unfavorable to Ecuador.

Ecuadorian manager Gustavo Quinteros was understandably aggrieved.

"The linesman invalidates our result," he said. "We doubt it would have been taken away on the other end. We are angry about (the decision)."

While Brazil is the preeminent country in the history of worldwide competition, Ecuador actually entered the Copa America as joint leaders of South American World Cup qualifying, tied with Uruguay on 13 points from six matches. Saturday marks only the fourth time ever Ecuador has drawn Brazil.

After a nervy start, the Ecuadorians gradually grew into the game and began to counterattack with ferocity. They yielded the lion’s share of possession to the more skilled Brazilians, but they stayed disciplined positionally and when they didn’t, Brazil bailed them out with hesitancy in the box.

Brazil’s best chance may have come in the 83rd minute, when Lucas Moura snapped a header off Renato Augusto’s cross wide of an open net. Ecuador keeper Esteban Dreer also showcased his reflexes early to deny Coutinho.

"They had the ball but they didn't generate a lot of opportunities," Quinteros said.

Several of Brazil’s biggest stars are missing the Copa America to focus on the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro later this summer. That includes Barcelona superstar Neymar, who nonetheless watched the match in person, amid curious company:

Brazilian fans likely wish Neymar was on the pitch for their side, which will still be heavily favored to advance out of Group B but now faces a bit more uncertainty. Peru, which finished third at last summer’s Copa America, earned a full three points by beating Haiti earlier Saturday, and the two will meet in the final group match on June 12.

For the time being, the Brazilians should consider themselves fortunate to come away with a point. Bolanos and Ecuador almost surely do.