Amid a possible player revolt, Brazil beat Ecuador 2-0 to win their fifth consecutive match in South American World Cup qualifying.

They now lead the round-robin tournament with 15 points, four ahead of second-placed Argentina. It appears all but certain that Brazil will qualify for four direct spots for Qatar 2022.

Richarlison opened the scoring in the 65th minute on Friday at the Beira-Rio stadium and Neymar added the second from the spot in added time. Both goals were celebrated with the entire team around the coach.

But a crisis looms over the team since its country was app ointed Copa America hosts. Players suggested on Friday that they are not willing to play the tournament at home because the Covid-19 pandemic continues to kill thousands of Brazilians per day. More than 470,000 have died so far.

Tite’s post-match news conference was one of the team’s most anticipated in years after he spent the day hearing rumours he could resign before Copa America begins.

The coach admitted on Thursday that his players had discussed with the president of the Brazilian soccer confederation, Rogerio Caboclo, whether they should play the continental tournament.

A final answer on the issue is expected after the match against Paraguay on Tuesday.

Copa America was originally scheduled to be co-hosted by Colombia and Argentina.

Captain Casemiro, prevented from speaking to media on Thursday, said after Friday’s win against Ecuador that “the players’ position is very clear. More clear than this is impossible for now.”