World Cup
Vinicius brings Maracana curtain-raiser to life as Brazil rout Panama 6-2
Vinicius Jr turned the Maracanã into his personal welcome-home party, scoring a dazzling early goal and setting up another to fire Brazil to a 6-2 friendly win over Panama on Sunday as the five-time world champions sharpened their claws before the World Cup.
With the 2026 World Cup less than two weeks away, Brazil were without Neymar, who is expected to miss their June 13 opener against Morocco with a calf injury, while Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos and Gabriel Martinelli were also absent after Saturday’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
That left the spotlight on local boy Vinicius, back at the stadium he once called home while emerging from Flamengo’s academy. He needed less than two minutes to deliver.
After Casemiro blocked Panama’s attempt to play out from the back, Vinicius seized the loose ball, charged towards the goal and rifled a fierce strike from the edge of the box into the top left corner.
Panama briefly spoiled the script in the 14th minute when Michael Murillo’s free kick deflected off Matheus Cunha in the wall, wrongfooting Alisson and rolling inside the left post to hush the crowd.
But Vinicius restored order with a dazzling run from the left in the 39th minute, gliding past two defenders before crossing for Casemiro to head home.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti changed almost the entire team at halftime, leaving only centre back Leo Pereira from his starting lineup, and the replacements quickly joined the fun.
Seven minutes after the restart, Orlando Mosquera’s muddled attempt to play with his feet gifted Rayan the ball, and he tapped into an empty net.
Lucas Paqueta made it 4-1 in the 60th minute with a curling effort that deflected past Mosquera, before Igor Thiago added the fifth from the spot three minutes later after the Panama goalkeeper brought him down.
Danilo added the sixth in the 81st minute with a shot from inside the box, before Carlos Harvey replied three minutes later with a thunderous strike into the top corner.
Brazil face Egypt next weekend before opening their Group C campaign against Morocco. Panama, in Group L with England, Croatia and Ghana, still play Dominican Republic and Bosnia before facing Ghana on June 16 in their World Cup debut.
-Reuters
JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL ON WHATSAPP:
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Uruguay Wary of Cabo Verde Challenge After Islanders Hold Spain
Spain Seek Repeat of 2006 Success Against Saudi Arabia
Courtois Eyes Belgian Record as Iran Chase Key World Cup Victory
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup2 days ago
‘Most Oppressed Team’: Iran Set for FIFA Showdown Over Travel Rules
- World Cup11 hours ago
U.S. defends Iran World Cup travel restrictions, says discussions ongoing
- World Cup1 week ago
Atlas Lions Roar Again: Morocco Hold Five-Time Champions, Brazil In Another World Cup Statement
- World Cup6 days ago
Back in Canada After 39 Years: A Return to Where the Journey Began
- World Cup6 days ago
Doku Faces World Cup-or-Fatherhood Dilemma as Belgium Star Awaits First Child
- World Cup6 days ago
Tunisia Become Second African Casualty as Sweden Hit Five in World Cup Rout
- World Cup6 days ago
Salah Eyes Birthday Gift as Egypt Seek Historic World Cup Breakthrough Against Belgium
- World Cup1 week ago
Advocaat Set to Make World Cup History as Curaçao Face Germany