ORLANDO, FL – Brazil avenged their quarterfinal defeat to Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 victory in an international friendly played Tuesday night at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The win provides a boost for Seleção and head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had faced scrutiny following a recent loss to France in Boston.
The match, played before a lively crowd, offered Ancelotti a final opportunity to assess his squad before announcing the team that will compete in the upcoming World Cup. Brazil took the lead with a well-executed counterattack, as Vinícius Júnior embarked on a dazzling run down the left flank, completing three dribbles before finding Danilo for the opening goal. Croatia responded through Majer, who capitalized on a cross from the right, leveling the score. However, Brazil quickly regained the advantage through a penalty awarded after a foul by Sutalo on Endrick, recently subbed into the match. Martinelli then sealed the victory with a late goal in added time, again on the counter.
While not a dominant performance, Brazil demonstrated superiority, particularly in the first half, registering nine shots to Croatia’s two. The team maintained possession and organization, though a touch more precision in the final third was evident as an area for improvement. The positive takeaway for Ancelotti is that his side found the back of the net, despite being without several key players, including the injured Raphinha, as well as Wesley and Gabriel Magalhaes, who would typically feature in the starting eleven.
Ancelotti, reportedly visibly frustrated with a cameraman for close-up filming during the match, gave a start to goalkeeper Bento, of Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia. Bento conceded the equalizer, leading some to speculate that Alisson Becker, currently sidelined with an injury, will reclaim his position as the starting goalkeeper for the World Cup. [1]
The victory comes at a crucial time for Brazil as they prepare for the World Cup. The friendly served as a valuable exercise in team cohesion and tactical experimentation, allowing Ancelotti to fine-tune his squad ahead of the tournament. For Croatia, the match provided a competitive test against a top-tier opponent, offering valuable insights as they also prepare for the World Cup.
Luka Modric against Casemiro: two former Real Madrid teammates faced off in Orlando. The match also saw a reunion between former Real Madrid teammates Luka Modrić and Casemiro. Following the game, the two players shared a warm embrace, along with a greeting for Ancelotti, their former manager at the Spanish club. Casemiro reflected on the importance of building momentum heading into the World Cup, referencing Argentina’s successful run in Qatar despite losing their opening match. “In the last two World Cups, we arrived extremely solid, very confident in ourselves,” Casemiro said. “I was talking to Luka and he told me, ‘You guys are strong, a good team.’ Sometimes one can trust that, as it is important to arrive well, with confidence, but the important thing is match by match, when it comes to building the team, developing the base, the most important thing is what happens during the World Cup. Argentina lost the first game in Qatar and ended up champions.”
Vinícius Junior celebrating the 1-0 goal (EFE). Brazil’s squad for the World Cup is expected to be announced in May. Ancelotti will have difficult decisions to create as he finalizes his 26-man roster, balancing experience with emerging talent. The win over Croatia will undoubtedly provide a positive note as he deliberates. [4]
The Camping World Stadium in Orlando hosted the friendly, providing a taste of international soccer to the American audience. The match kicked off at 9:00 PM Brasília time (UTC-3). [1]
Key Takeaways:
- Brazil secured a 3-1 victory over Croatia, avenging their 2022 World Cup defeat.
- Carlo Ancelotti experimented with the lineup, giving Bento a start in goal.
- Vinícius Júnior and Martinelli were among the goalscorers for Brazil.
- Casemiro highlighted the importance of building momentum and learning from Argentina’s 2022 World Cup campaign.
Brazil’s next confirmed action is the announcement of their final World Cup squad on May 18th. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the list to see which players will represent Seleção on the world’s biggest stage.
What did you consider of Brazil’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
