Ecuador rides stout defense to World Cup place

Ecuador qualified for the World Cup for the fifth time in their history on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw with Peru in Lima.

The Ecuadorians, who were eliminated in the group stage of the Qatar World Cup in 2022, grabbed the solitary point needed to qualify despite being reduced to 10 men when Alan Franco was sent off in the 75th minute.

The result left Ecuador in second place in South America's 10-team standings with 25 points from 16 games, assuring them of an automatic qualifying spot.

Sebastian Beccacece's team has now recorded three straight goalless draws, and has conceded just five goals in its 16 qualifying matches, the best defensive record in CONMEBOL.

Brazil also qualified on Tuesday, joining defending champion Argentina.

Three automatic berths for next year's 48-team World Cup remain up for grabs in South America.