Paraguay will not be an easy challenge for Brazil. Since coach Gustavo Alfaro took over, the Paraguayans have been unbeaten for nine matches. The Argentine coach has already equaled the all-time record for qualifying points set by coach Paulo César Carpegiani in the campaign for the 1998 World Cup in France.

Carlo Ancelotti will make his long-awaited debut as the head coach of Brazil's national team on Thursday when the five-time World Cup winners travel to Ecuador in one of the final matches of South America's World Cup qualifying competition.

He praised Ancelotti’s early impact on the squad, saying the Italian has brought “experience” and “peace” to a team in transition. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.