🎥 Brazil watch Panama grow into the friendly, but lead at half-time

The festive atmosphere ramped up in the very first minute of play at the Maracanã.

But they forgot to “run it by” Panama, currently 33rd in the FIFA Ranking and also set to play in the World Cup.

There was no easy ride in the first half of this Sunday’s (31) friendly, but Brazil went into the break leading 2-1.

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With Vinicius Junior putting on a great display.

Vini Jr. ON FIRE and... an unexpected response

Brazil were already ahead before the clock had even ticked past the first minute.

Casemiro won the ball back, the No. 7 charged forward leaving Córdoba behind, and finished brilliantly.

Vini Jr. stepped up again shortly afterward.

Brazil controlled the action and kept looking for more space.

Then Panama won a free kick.

Michael Murillo took it, Matheus Cunha got a touch, and Panama scored after the ball completely changed direction (14').

Brazil’s task was to find new openings against a fired-up opponent.

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And it was the Concacaf side that forced Alisson into action in the 32nd minute after an effort from Ismael Díaz.

Vini Jr. + Casemiro = ⚽

The tension eased in the 39th minute. Another move from the No. 7 ended with a header from Casemiro, who celebrated his 11th goal of the season with the deflection.

The assistant initially flagged for offside, but VAR said otherwise.

Raphinha also had a great chance to extend the lead.

And at the other end, Waterman forced Alisson into another save in stoppage time.

It really is a meaningful test with the World Cup in mind.

Do they already need to make substitutions?

It’s worth noting that ELEVEN substitutions will be allowed in this friendly.

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In other words: Ancelotti will be able to test a considerable number of players.

On the bench are: Weverton, Ederson, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Ibañez, Fabinho, Danilo Santos, Paquetá, Endrick, Igor Thiago and Rayan.

Who should come on at halftime? Have your say!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.