Brazil Routs Panama 6-2 at Maracanã in Ancelotti’s Last Home Test

BRAZIL · FOOTBALL

Brazil routed Panama 6-2 at the Maracanã on Sunday, with Vinícius Júnior opening inside the first minute and six different players finding the net. The friendly was Carlo Ancelotti’s final home test before the World Cup, played in a festive atmosphere before more than 72,000 fans, though the first half exposed defensive lapses the coach addressed after the break.

How Brazil’s 6-2 win over Panama unfolded

The first goal arrived before the clock reached a minute. After Brazil won the ball high up the pitch, Vinícius Júnior collected a loose pass and beat the Panamanian goalkeeper with a long-range strike. Panama responded and levelled through Murillo, whose free-kick deflected off a defender and wrong-footed Alisson.

Brazil regained control before half-time and pulled clear, though the opening period revealed a more reactive system, with the lines dropping deep without the ball and some lapses in the vertical pressing strategy. The scoring was shared widely, underlining the squad depth Ancelotti has at his disposal.

The second-half surge in the 6-2 win

Ancelotti’s substitutions paid off quickly. A reserve-heavy lineup brought more quality and dynamism through midfield, with Lucas Paquetá, Danilo and the young Rayan standing out. Rayan opened the second-half scoring with a deft chip after a Panama error in build-up.

A flowing team move followed, with Danilo combining with Douglas Santos and Paquetá finishing first time. Igor Thiago won and converted a penalty, and Danilo later added another after a Paquetá pass. Murillo grabbed a late consolation, his second of the night, but could not spoil the celebration.

Ancelotti’s verdict ahead of the World Cup

The Italian coach struck an upbeat note on his preparations, saying the working environment had been positive and that the team was building well toward the tournament. He framed the World Cup as a chance to do something important for the country, with a strong, professional squad.

On the eve of the match, the squad attended a briefing from the head of Brazil’s refereeing commission on changes to video-review, substitution and ball-restart protocols, part of the fine detail of pre-tournament preparation.

Neymar’s presence

One of the night’s most noted moments was Neymar‘s appearance at the stadium. Sidelined by injury and unable to play, he was nonetheless present, a reminder of the fitness questions still surrounding parts of the squad as the tournament nears.

Brazil will manage such cases carefully in the days ahead, balancing the desire to field its strongest team against the need to arrive at the opening match with players fit and available.

The road to the opener

With the Maracanã send-off complete, the delegation travels to the United States for a final friendly against Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland. Brazil then opens its World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, with a second group match to follow.

Ancelotti has flagged Morocco, a semi-finalist at the previous tournament, as the principal early obstacle, a side he says commands respect for its solidity and experience.

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