At the Emirates, in front of 60 thousand spectators, the series of 26 matches without a knockout for the Africans comes to an end: Estevao and Casemiro score goals for the Seleção, lined up with a super offensive set-up
Excellent performance by Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, which beat Senegal 2-0 in the friendly match between the two national teams, both of which have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. At the Emirates Stadium in London, home of Arsenal, the Seleção put an end to Senegal’s streak of 26 games without defeat in front of almost 60 thousand spectators. The final result was 2-0, goals from Estêvão and Casemiro.
FOUR POINTS
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In the press conference Ancelotti had recalled how Brazil, world champions in 1994 (when Carletto was assistant coach of Arrigo Sacchi’s Italy) had strengthened the defense to leave greater freedom in attack to Bebeto and Romário. So he deployed Éder Militão, born centrally, as a low lateral on the right, to unleash the imagination of his front-wheel drive Seleção, with four full-time attackers: Estêvão, Matheus Cunha, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.
Brazilian dominion
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And it’s right away bailed footballwith Brazil dominating from the start. Vinicius Júnior immediately challenged Mendy after a minute, then Matheus Cunha hit the post in the 3rd minute (but the action was tainted by offside). After 8 minutes another great save from the Senegal goalkeeper following a great shot from Vini. It doesn’t really look like a friendly match: the pace is very fast. Another great opportunity in the quarter of an hour, with Matheus Cunha hitting the crossbar with a shot from the six yard area.
DECISIVE
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In the 27th minute Senegal’s wall collapsed: Mendy was unable to take Estêvão’s unstoppable diagonal shot: a nice left-footed shot from the right edge of the penalty area. Brazil ahead. The second goal came after a few minutes: in the 35th minute Rodrygo’s free kick found Casemiro free in the area: the United midfielder didn’t take any time to make it 2-0. Goal confirmed by VAR and English referee Jarred Gillett. Senegal, however, remains clinging to the game: at the end of the first half they are dangerous on two occasions, first with a counterattack in the green and gold area, then with Ismaïla Sarr’s shot, promptly rejected by Éderson.
recovery, so many mistakes
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In the second half many errors on both sides. First Ederson almost gives Ndiaye the 1-2 for Senegal after a bad pass: good for him that the post denies the Africans a goal. Then Mendy also makes a big combo: Rodrygo turns quickly and shoots towards the empty goal, but Koulibaly manages to save with a desperate intervention. The match is a little more balanced than in the first half, but the attacks of the two teams are not precise. In the final round of substitutions but Brazil, well organized in all sectors by Ancelotti, managed to contain their opponents. On Tuesday, in Lille, the Seleção is awaiting the match against Tunisia.
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