Brazil 2-0 Senegal: Estevao opens the scoring, Casemiro seals the victory.
Brazil won 2-0 in a friendly match against Senegal thanks to goals in the 28th and 35th minutes. VAR confirmed Casemiro's goal and denied Senegal's penalty appeal at the end of the first half. Brazil controlled the game.
It only took seven minutes in the first half for Brazil to decide their friendly match against Senegal: Estevao Willian opened the scoring in the 28th minute, and Casemiro doubled the lead in the 35th minute. These two moments showcased the dominance and effectiveness of Carlo Ancelotti's team in set pieces, before VAR confirmed Casemiro's goal and denied Senegal's penalty claim.
Key events: high pace and two decisive blows.
In the second minute, Vinicius Junior tested Edouard Mendy with a powerful shot, initiating Brazil's proactive attacking play. Senegal responded immediately: in the third minute, Ismaila Sarr unleashed a powerful volley, but the ball narrowly missed the post.
As the game progressed, Brazil gained better control and applied constant pressure. Matheus Cunha came very close to opening the scoring with a powerful header that hit the crossbar in the 17th minute. That pressure materialized in the 28th minute: Estevao Willian, quick in a scramble, decisively finished to open the scoring.
Just seven minutes later, the lead was doubled. From a free kick following a foul by Kalidou Koulibaly, the ball was sent deep into the penalty area, Rodrygo rose high to head it back, setting up Casemiro to score with a precise shot, making it 2-0 in the 35th minute. Referee Jarred Gillett consulted VAR and then awarded the goal. Towards the end of the first half, Senegal appealed for a penalty, claiming the ball touched a Brazilian player's hand, but VAR denied the request.
Second half: Brazil maintains their lead, Senegal becomes agitated.
After the break, the pace remained high but there were more collisions. Senegal suffered a setback when Pape Matar Sarr sustained an injury and left the field in the 49th minute, being 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 flanks, with Estevao Willian and Vinicius Junior taking corners, 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 changes: Matheus Cunha, Gabriel, Estevao, and Rodrygo were substituted for Joao Pedro, Wesley Franca, Luiz Henrique, and Lucas Paqueta. Senegal also brought on Sadio Mane, Ismail Jakobs, Idrissa Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye, and Ismaila Sarr in an attempt to break through, but they were unable to penetrate Brazil's focused defense. The match ended after 3 minutes of added time with a 2-0 victory for the South American side.
Tactical perspective: early game pressure and dead ball shots
Both of Brazil's goals reflected the same theme: control and making the most of the moment. The opening goal came from a numerical advantage in the penalty area and a quick reaction in the second half; the second originated from a well-executed free kick with Rodrygo's header before Casemiro finished. When opponents increased physical contact, Brazil shifted to managing their advantage, prioritizing space control, minimizing risk, and waiting for opportunities from set pieces.
On the flanks, the presence of Estevao Willian and Vinicius Junior created both opportunities from open play and provided dangerous corner kicks in the second half. Despite Senegal's personnel changes, Brazil's defensive structure remained disciplined, limiting attacks through the center.
A remarkable number
- Score: Brazil 2-0 Senegal
- Scored: Estevao Willian 28', Casemiro 35'
- VAR: Casemiro's goal confirmed; Senegal's penalty appeal at the end of the first half rejected.
- 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 came on as a substitute.
- Brazilian substitutions: Matheus Cunha, Gabriel, Estevao, Rodrygo come off; Joao Pedro, Wesley Franca, Luiz Henrique, Lucas Paqueta enter
In a test match, the 2-0 victory, along with contributions from Estevao Willian and Casemiro, is a positive sign for Carlo Ancelotti's team.
