The fun and games are over! Now it’s for real!
This Saturday (6), the Brazilian National Team beat Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland, United States, in their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup.
The first half, with many players considered undisputed starters, such as goalkeeper Alisson, center-back and captain Marquinhos, the “trusted man” Casemiro, and forward Vini Jr, was worrying for Brazil.
Advertisement
The Seleção showed a lot of poor finishing and had an afternoon (local time) of chaos in defense.
On the scoreboard, the 1-1 draw (goals from Bruno Guimarães and Ziko) was the perfect reflection of what the scenario above showed the fans.
In addition, the opening half brought another concern for coach Carlo Ancelotti: right-back Wesley went off injured and became a problem with five days to go before the start of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
⏱ Halftime
When they came back out, the 66-year-old Italian coach made EIGHT changes all at once!
The main one — and the one that had an almost immediate effect — was bringing on Endrick for Igor Thiago.
Advertisement
And the 20-year-old gem, from Real Madrid and developed at Palmeiras, needed just six minutes on the pitch to put Brazil back in front.
The high press to disrupt Egypt’s build-up paid off, Raphinha carried it almost to the byline down the left and drilled a low cross into the box for Endrick to hit first time.
The goal gave the Brazilian National Team the calm they needed to control the match.
Goalkeeper Weverton, for example, was barely troubled, even with the “Egyptian King” Mohamed Salah on the pitch in the second half.
On the other hand, Brazil also offered little going forward in their search for a third goal.
😅 Mister was happy
After celebrating on the pitch with his teammates, Endrick went over to receive a hug and a little kiss on the cheek from Ancelotti!
Advertisement
Looks like the kid is doing just fine, huh?
🚦 What it means
After two wins in their final warm-up friendlies (6-2 against Panama and 2-1 against Egypt), the Brazilian National Team heads into the 2026 World Cup with momentum.
The road to a sixth title begins next Saturday (13/06), at 7:00 p.m. Brasília time, against Morocco in New Jersey, and continues on the 19th against Haiti, at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, in Philadelphia.
Brazil’s final Group C match will be on June 24 against Scotland, at 7:00 p.m. Brasília time, in Miami.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
Read the full article here