The Brazilian national team sent a strong message ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after hammering Panama 6-2 on Sunday in a high-scoring friendly at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr fired Brazil into the lead inside the opening minute, collecting a pass from veteran midfielder Casemiro before lashing in a thunderous strike from 25 yards.
The five-time World Cup champions were briefly stunned when Panama equalised in the 14th minute. Michael Murillo’s free-kick took a wicked deflection off Matheus Cunha and sailed past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson.
Vinicius and Casemiro combined again to restore Brazil’s lead six minutes before half-time.
In the second half, Coach Carlo Ancelotti made several changes to the line-up, replacing almost his entire starting combination with the exception of Leo Pereira.
The fresh legs did not waste any time in asserting dominance, scoring two quick goals to put Brazil 5-1 up in the middle of the second half.
Teenager Rayan made it 3-1 in the 53rd minute, with the 19-year-old Bournemouth talent collecting a misplaced pass from Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera on the right flank and calmly curling his shot into the net to the delight of the Maracana crowd.
Panama pulled one back with a brilliant 30-yard screamer from Carlos Harvey.
Brazil are now set to take on Egypt in their next friendly in Cleveland, Ohio, next Saturday, before opening their World Cup Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13.
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