Brazil delivered a resounding World Cup statement on Sunday night, dismantling Panama 6-2 in a performance that will send a warning to Group C rivals Scotland, Morocco and Haiti.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was the standout performer on the night, opening the scoring inside just two minutes of the match getting underway.
Panama levelled proceedings 12 minutes later through an own goal from Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha, briefly threatening to disrupt Brazil’s momentum.
Outgoing Old Trafford midfielder Casemiro restored Brazil’s lead five minutes before half-time, settling the nerves of the five-time World Cup champions.
The match was then put well beyond doubt after the break, with Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago and Danilo all adding their names to the scoresheet.
Carlos Harvey gave Panama a late consolation goal, but the result was never in doubt as Brazil ran out comfortable winners by four goals.
Despite his team’s commanding victory, it was Neymar who generated the biggest buzz on the night, watching from the stands at the Maracana.
The 34-year-old, who returned to boyhood club Santos last year, has been handed a shock recall for the finals by manager Carlo Ancelotti after winning his last of 128 caps back in 2023.
Ancelotti has publicly promised that Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer will be fit for the tournament, raising the prospect of Neymar facing Scotland once again.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward previously scored twice against Scotland in a 2-0 friendly win for Brazil at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in March 2011.
Neymar made his way onto the pitch after the final whistle, and his presence immediately sparked a frenzy among the Panama players and coaching staff.
The defeated squad scrambled to pose for selfies with the Brazilian icon, who patiently obliged each member of the squad in turn.
Brazil will face Egypt next Saturday in another warm-up fixture before their Group C campaign begins, with Scotland, Morocco and Haiti all lying in wait at the tournament itself.
Panama, meanwhile, will face their own World Cup challenge this summer, having been drawn in England’s group for the finals.
About the Author
