Brazil 2-0 Senegal: Estevao opened the score, Casemiro finished
Brazil won 2-0 in a friendly against Senegal thanks to goals in the 28th and 35th minutes. VAR awarded Casemiro's goal and rejected Senegal's penalty appeal at the end of the first half. Brazil controlled the game.
It took just seven minutes midway through the first half for Brazil to decide their friendly against Senegal: Estevao Willian opened the scoring in the 28th minute, and Casemiro doubled the lead in the 35th. Two moments that showed Carlo Ancelotti's men's dominance and effectiveness in dead-ball situations, before VAR awarded Casemiro's goal and denied Senegal a penalty.
Main plot: high tempo and two decisive blows
In the second minute, Vinicius Junior tested Edouard Mendy with a powerful shot, opening the way for Brazil to take the initiative in attacking. Senegal responded immediately: in the third minute, Ismaila Sarr volleyed powerfully but the ball went just wide of the post.
The more Brazil played, the better they controlled the game and kept up the pressure. Matheus Cunha came very close to opening the score when his powerful header hit the crossbar in the 17th minute. That pressure was concreted in the 28th minute: Estevao Willian was quick in the chaotic play, decisively finishing to open the score.
Just 7 minutes later, the gap was doubled. From a free kick after a foul by Kalidou Koulibaly, the ball was sent deep into the penalty area, Rodrygo jumped high to head the ball back, allowing Casemiro to shoot accurately to make it 2-0 in the 35th minute. Referee Jarred Gillett consulted VAR and then awarded the goal. At the end of the first half, Senegal asked for a penalty because they thought the ball touched the Brazilian player's hand, but VAR rejected the request.
Second half: Brazil control the advantage, Senegal get hot-tempered
After the break, the tempo remained high but there were more clashes. Senegal suffered when Pape Matar Sarr was injured and left the field in the 49th minute, replaced by Nicolas Jackson. The African team received more yellow cards: Antoine Mendy (51'), Kalidou Koulibaly (57') and Pape Gueye (61') all received yellow cards.
Brazil continued to maintain pressure with set pieces from both sides as Estevao Willian and Vinicius Junior took corner kicks, but the score remained unchanged. Casemiro also received a yellow card in the 66th minute after a fierce challenge.
Brazil's system was refreshed with personnel adjustments: Matheus Cunha, Gabriel, Estevao and Rodrygo withdrew, making way for Joao Pedro, Wesley Franca, Luiz Henrique and Lucas Paqueta. Senegal also brought Sadio Mane, Ismail Jakobs, Idrissa Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr off the field to find a breakthrough, but could not penetrate the concentrated defense of Brazil. The match ended after 3 minutes of injury time with a 2-0 victory for the South American representative.
Tactical angle: early pressure and dead ball
Brazil’s two goal milestones reflected the same theme: control and making the most of the moment. The opener came from a build-up of players in the box and quick reactions in the second phase; the second from a well-organized free kick with Rodrygo heading the ball back before Casemiro finished. As the opposition increased contact, Brazil turned to managing their advantage, prioritizing space control, reducing risk and waiting for opportunities from set pieces.
On the flanks, the presence of Estevao Willian and Vinicius Junior both created chances from open play and provided dangerous corners in the second half. Despite Senegal's personnel adjustments, Brazil's defensive structure remained disciplined, limiting central penetration.
Notable numbers
- Score: Brazil 2-0 Senegal
- Scored: Estevao Willian 28', Casemiro 35'
- VAR: Casemiro's goal is recognized; Senegal's penalty request is rejected at the end of the first half
- Yellow card: Antoine Mendy 51', Kalidou Koulibaly 57', Pape Gueye 61', Casemiro 66'
- Injury: Pape Matar Sarr left the field in the 49th minute, Nicolas Jackson replaced him.
- Brazilian substitutions: Matheus Cunha, Gabriel, Estevao, Rodrygo come off; Joao Pedro, Wesley Franca, Luiz Henrique, Lucas Paqueta enter
In an experimental match, the 2-0 victory with the marks of Estevao Willian and Casemiro was a positive signal for Carlo Ancelotti and his team.
