The Brazilian men’s national soccer team thrashed Panama 6–2 in its final friendly match on home soil before the World Cup. More than 72,000 fans packed the Maracanã Stadium on Sunday (May 31), where coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded two different lineups in each half, much to the delight of the crowd.
In the first half, Brazil came out pressing aggressively, and it took just one minute for Vinicius Júnior to open the scoring. Shortly afterward, the team lost intensity, and Panama equalized through Murillo. In the closing minutes of the half, Casemiro scored with a header to give the Brazilian team a 2–1 lead heading into halftime.
While Brazil struggled to score in the first half, created few chances in midfield, and faced difficulties attacking down the right flank, it dominated the game in the second half. Ancelotti fielded 10 reserves and kept only starter Léo Pereira in defense. As if by magic, Brazil began pressing the ball out of defense, improved their passing, and built attacks through midfield with Danilo, Lucas Paquetá, and Fabinho.
Dominating possession and controlling the game, Brazil added four more goals through Rayan, Lucas Paquetá, Igor Thiago (from a penalty), and Danilo Santos. Harvey pulled one back for Panama in the closing minutes, making the final score 6–2.
Next steps
The team departs for the United States on Monday (Jun. 1), where it will play its final friendly before the World Cup. Brazil will face Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday (Jun. 6).
Brazil will open its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. The Brazilians are in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.
Source: Agência Brasil