Brazil exhibit fighting spirit

The nights at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu are hardly dull. The gentle breeze blowing over the massive stadium brings with it a vibe of passion, positivity and competitiveness. The crowd adds the flavour of thrill and chill - the ball starts rolling and the players elevate their level to ensure an exciting encounter. 

A young but weary-and-teary Brazil unit logged horns with a competent Spanish side that grinded the Canarinhos on the green canvas of Bernabeu. Spain led by 2-0 courtesy of strong dominance at the centre of the park and the flanks. 

Brazil midfield looked lost and the precision was missing. The players at the back melted under the consistent pressure from the Spanish press - a comeback from Brazil looked tough. 

But the vibe of Bernabeu has the power to elevate the level and Real Madrid Brazilian Royalty Rodrygo Goes pulled one back to lift the spirit. 

Rodrygo Goes, who dons the legendary number 10 shirt, was the Brazilian player who most sought the game and participated in offensive actions, although he made some mistakes that he is not used to. 

At 17-minute, he made a great individual play, which ended with a bad conclusion from Vinicius Jr - who was not up to the mark last night. 

At 39-minute, he was opportunistic, took advantage of the goalkeeper's error and was cold in finishing through coverage. 

Then, Brazil had Endrick - the 17-year-old Real Madrid -bound boy who has proven yet again, you cannot keep him out of the party if the Samba Boys are struggling to tune in to the beat of Samba Festival. 

He came on at half-time and four minutes later scored his second goal for the national team. 

The boy is giving hope and surely, the disciplined and competitive nature of Real will polish him into a champion. 

Thankfully, he didn't make a mistake like Neymar by joining Barcelona. 

You could see how Raphinha is declining and Vitor Roque will decline too., if my experience doesn't betray me. 

Brazil threw more bodies up front when the score became 3-2. Till the last minute the tired Brazil boys consistently fought and ultimately the equaliser came through the midfield underperformer of last night - Lucas Paqueta. 

Brazil were not good but the most important thing was the mentality to fight till the end. 

It's good to see that CBF have arranged two International Friendlies against top European teams rather than weaker African or Asian teams to give the impression of a false dawn.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil shine at Wembley

When Zinedine Zidane made his international debut in 1994 international debut in 1994, the Czech Republic had France on the floor groaning with pain.

It was the French team of Eric Cantona where the players performed at the club level but could hardly make an impact at the international level.

Here comes an unknown Algerian boy - who scored twice and won the international friendly for France. 

The French had found their impact factor and those who make an impact, most of the time, ended up being one of the greats of the game.

Fast forward 30 years later.

Newly appointed Brazilian coach - Junior Dorival, who debuted five players during the highly anticipated international friendly against England at Wembley last night, brought on the 17-year-and-246-day-old Endrick in the 71st minute. Nine minutes later he ended up scoring the winner.

Endrick made an impact and silenced the sold-out crowd at Wembley.

You have to say, Florentino Perez and Real Madrid scouts have the eye to recognize impactful players.

Brazil took the pitch as the underdogs and a team in demise whereas England were sure to dominate the proceedings.

As the game started, Brazil had England on the back foot.

Lucas Parqueta and Bruno Guimaraes had linked u well while using Rodrygo Goes as false nine proved worthy and, Vinicius Junior was always a treat.

Vinicius shimmered with menace as Brazil worked to find their touches and passing connections at the outset; the Wembley crowd was subdued.

Vinicius and Rodrygo spoke to the assurance of Brazil’s quickfire interchanges; to England’s battle for tempo and incision, too.

Brazil made light of the doom-mongering and they were the more dangerous team.

The 1-0 scoreline may not give you the full story of how well Brazil were organized.

A confidence-boosting victory and what is required now is consistency.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar