Knowing that a win in this clash will guarantee them a place in the quarter-finals, both sides are expected to go all out at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba.

One of the tournament favourites, Brazil have yet to register their first win of the competition, but this looks like the perfect opportunity to do so.

Selecao had been far from impressive in their opening game against Venezuela, but they showed a big improvement against Paraguay and no wonder they are just 1.30 (3/10) with 888Sport to win this game.

Mano Menezes is pondering changes for the Ecuador game, with Maicon set to replace Dani Alves in the starting line-up, whereas Robinho could come in for Jadson as the boss looks set to revert to 4-2-1-3 formation.

Paulo Henrique Ganso will continue to orchestrate play from midfield, with Robinho, Pato and Neymar expected to produce much needed goals.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-1-3): Julio Cesar – Maicon, Lucio, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos – Ramires, Lucas – Ganso – Neymar, Pato, Robinho.

Ecuador have been on the downtrend for quite a while now and while nobody believed they could reach the final stages of the tournament, La Tri were tipped to at least qualify for the next stage.

That looked like it could be done following the hard fought draw with Paraguay, but Reinaldo Rueda’s side then succumbed to defeat to Venezuela, meaning that they now need to beat Brazil to go through.

This looks like a mission impossible, not because Brazil are unbeatable but because Ecuador team are very low on confidence and have come under intense scrutiny for their performances in Argentina.

The nation is calling for coach Reinaldo Rueda to be sacked, which could easily happen after this game.

On top of all his worries, Rueda won’t be able to count on Luis Antonio Valencia, who is still struggling with injury, so La Tri look destined for a defeat here.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Elizaga – Reasco, Araujo, Erazo, Ayovi – Arroyo, Noboa, Castillo, Mendez – Benitez, Caicedo.