Brazil have raised their fans’ expectations even higher before the World Cup. In a warm-up at the Maracanã Stadium, Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat Panama 6-2, with all six goals scored by six different players — Vinícius Júnior, Casemiro, Ryan, Lucas Paquetá, Igor Thiago and Danilo.
Brazil went ahead through Vinícius in the second minute. But in the 14th minute, a ball from a free-kick deflected off Matheus Cunha and changed direction to bring Panama level.
In the first half, Ancelotti played a four-defender, two-midfield, four-attack shape. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães came under some pressure in midfield, and the attack lacked its expected edge.
After 10 players were changed at once in the second half, Brazil’s play found new pace. Ryan, Paquetá, Thiago and Danilo scored to stretch the lead. Carlos Harvey pulled one back for Panama, but it only narrowed the gap, and the five-time world champions left the field with a 6-2 win.
Despite the big win, Ancelotti was not fully satisfied with the first-half display. After the match he said the second half had given him some positive doubts, and that healthy competition within the squad and a fight to keep one’s place are important. Asked what formation Brazil will use at the World Cup, he said with a touch of humour that he wants to keep some mystery before the tournament, which would also keep fans’ and the media’s interest alive.
Neymar was present before and after the match, with the whole stadium standing to applaud him. Not yet fully fit, he is not taking part in the warm-up matches. After the game, the players were given a short time with their families before the squad heads to the United States, where Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli — who featured in the recent continental club final — will join them. Although the win boosted confidence, Ancelotti believes there is work to do in some areas.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report