Rampant In their final match before the World Cup, Brazil defeated Tunisia 5-1 with 10 men on Tuesday, with Raphinha scoring twice and assisting on a third.
The South American giants, who defeated Ghana 3-0 on Friday, continued their impressive play, giving their supporters many reasons to be enthusiastic about their young team as they travel to Qatar to compete for a record-extending sixth world championship.
Rafinha scored the game’s first goal in the 11th minute with a spectacular header over goalie Aymen Dahmen from the edge of the box.
But seven minutes later, Montassar Talbi scored an opportunistic header from a free kick to tie the score for Tunisia.
A minute later, though, Richarlison found himself ghosting behind the defense, and Raphinha found him. The striker then sent a low shot between the keeper’s legs to give Brazil the lead once more.
The Brazil players, who have been outspoken about racism since Vinicius Jr. was subjected to racial taunts from Atletico Madrid supporters before their derby match against Real Madrid last month, were thrown a banana during the goal celebrations.
In a statement, the Brazilian FA (CBF) denounced “yet another incidence of racism in football” with vehemence. “The battle against racism is not a cause; it is a fundamental shift meant to eradicate this kind of crime from the world.
After a lightning-quick counterattack, Raphinha scored his second goal in the 40th minute with a perfect low drive from the edge of the area.
For a foul on Neymar two minutes later, Tunisia’s Dylan Bronn was given a straight red card. Brazil relaxed in the second half as manager Tite brought on several replacements because they were certain to win.
The Flamengo forward Pedro, who has been the talk of the Brazilian league this year, entered the game in the 74th minute and scored the fifth goal with a beautiful first-time effort from the edge of the box.
On November 24, Brazil will take on Serbia to start their World Cup campaign. They will also play Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.
Mahnur is MS(development Studies)Student at NUST University, completed BS Hons in Eng Literature. Content Writer, Policy analyst, Climate Change specialist, Teacher, HR Recruiter.