Brazil v Panama, International Friendly 2016 - Brazil's performance was just satisfactory

I expected more goals from Brazil against Panama. Two years ago, the Selecao thrashed Panama by 4-0. Jonas struck gold within two minutes of the game while it took 71 more minutes for Brazil to score the second goal and I was delighted to see Gabriel Barbosa to score his first international goal. As goal.com live commentary puts it “wonderful display of composure inside the area from the Santos man, who picks the ball up, charges into the area, switches onto his left and applies the deftest of finishes to place it in at the far post”! Philippe Coutinho was very impressive and Brazil’s short-but-brief, quick-passing was refreshing to the eyes. Brazil’s midfield looked in better shape while defensively they are a bit ragged and needs to be careful in future.

But such sort of Samba style and compactness only crop up against minnows like Panama and co. In the bigger matches Carlos Dunga’s pragmatism has always ruled the rooster. It was just a warm up match where the Selecao ended up with a win and at the moment,  Dunga’s men are are unbeaten in their last five matches, since opening their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Chile (2 wins and 3 defeats). Let me tell you one thing, the journey won’t be a rosy one for Dunga in the Copa America.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar