Liverpool Goalie's 'Kung Fu Kick' Among Highlights Of Chaotic World Cup Qualifier

Brazil and Ecuador met for a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, January 27 that ended in a 1-1 draw.

However, the real story was the events that transpired in the game, particularly the actions of several notable football stars.

There were seven yellow cards, two red cards, and another two red cards rescinded after a video review, Sporting News reported.

Furthermore, two other penalties slapped on Ecuador were also wiped out by the VAR.

The first five minutes set the tone of the emotionally-filled match with Enner Valencia of Ecuador missing a clear look at the goal.

Casemiro of Brazil also had a breakthrough moment, cleaning up a chaotic sequence.

Beyond the offensive instances in the match, referees had a tough day trying to maintain order and rectify calls with the aid of a VAR.

In the opening 20 minutes, a red card was issued to the goalkeepers of both sides.

First was Alexander Dominguez who was handed a red card for planting his studs on Matheus Cunha’s neck. The goalkeeper was then sent off for the dangerous challenge.

Allison was also handed a red card, but this was later rescinded since reviews showed he could never realistically place his leg on the followthrough after he cleared a ball outside the box.

However, the 29-year-old goalie drew another yellow card for punching the ball and Enner Valencia’s head.

But this would be rescinded anew after videos showed that the Liverpool player made contact with the ball first.

Aside from the two goalkeepers, there was also Tottenham’s Emerson Royal, who got his first yellow card in the first minute of the match and drew another later on.

He was subsequently sent off, leaving both sides with only 10 men in the field after just a quarter in the game.

Despite the draw, Brazil has already qualified for the quadrennial meet in Qatar along with Argentina.

Meanwhile, Ecuador is one win away from returning to the World Cup after a 1-1 home draw with Brazil.

The top four teams qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the fifth-placed side goes into a playoff with a team from the Asian confederation.