Brazil crush Panama 6-2 in pre-World Cup friendly

Brazil produced a dominant attacking display to defeat Panama 6-2 in an international friendly at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (June 1), as the five-time world champions continued their World Cup preparations in style.

The hosts made a flying start, taking the lead in the second minute through Vinícius Júnior. However, Panama responded against the run of play when Michael Murillo’s free-kick deflected off Matheus Cunha to level the score at 1-1.

Brazil quickly regained control, with Casemiro restoring the lead with a composed finish to make it 2-1, a scoreline that stood at half-time.

After the break, Brazil intensified their pressure on Panama’s defence. Young forward Ryan extended the lead following a defensive error, before Lucas Paquetá’s effort was deflected into the net to further widen the margin.

Late in the match, Brazil added two more goals. Igor Thiago converted from the penalty spot before Danilo completed a well-worked move with a precise finish inside the box to make it 6-1.

Panama managed a late consolation through a long-range strike from Harvey, but it did little to alter the one-sided nature of the contest.

Brazil registered 14 shots in the match and recorded an expected goals (xG) of 2.26, underlining their clinical finishing despite limited chances compared to their goal tally.

The match also provided Brazil’s coaching staff an opportunity to rotate the squad and assess combinations ahead of the upcoming fixtures.

Following the win, Brazil are set to face Egypt in another friendly on June 7 before shifting focus to their World Cup campaign. They will begin their tournament journey in Group C against Morocco on June 14, followed by matches against Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 25.