Quito: Gabriel Jesus scored twice in his debut and Neymar notched the other, giving Brazil a 3-0 victory over Ecuador on Thursday and making it a perfect start for new coach Tite in his first match in charge.
With the match scoreless and evenly played, Neymar broke through with a penalty in the 72nd minute. Gabriel Jesus then scored in the 87th, and got another in stoppage time.
Neymar's penalty came after Gabriel Jesus, better known as "Gabigol", was tripped in the area by Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez. Gabigol then put on his own show, chipping in a back-heel shot from close range and then hammering in an 18-meter (yard) drive.
"It couldn't have started better," the 19-year-old said. "Tite showed confidence in me. I'm really happy. Not just scoring, but playing with the team."
It's been a good few weeks for Gabigol, scoring two goals in his first match with the senior team to go with an Olympic gold medal from Brazil's win over Germany on penalties in the final at the Maracana.
It was a critical victory for the Brazilians. They survived in the thin air of Quito (2,850 meters/9,350 feet), and got a victory for new coach Adenor Leonardo Bacchi - known universally as Tite (pronounced CHI-che).
He took over when Dunga was fired in June after Brazil failed to reach the knockout stage of the Copa America.
Ecuador played with 10 men after Juan Carlos Paredes was sent off the 75th for second yellow card.
Brazil improved to 12 points in seven games, its first victory after draws in the last two matches under Dunga. Ecuador stayed on 13 points.
