Brazil thrash Panama 6-2 in World Cup send-off

AFP | Rio de Janeiro

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Brazil turned on the style with a 6-2 drubbing of Panama on Sunday in a lopsided World Cup send-off at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr fired the Brazilians into the lead inside the opening minute, collecting a pass from veteran midfielder Casemiro before lashing in a thunderous strike from 25 yards.

The five - time World Cup -winners were jolted though in the 14th minute when Panama grabbed a freak equaliser, Michael Murillo’s freekick taking a wicked deflection off Matheus Cunha and sailing past Brazil keeper Alisson.

The combination of Vinicius and Casemiro restored Brazil’s advantage six minutes before half-time.

Vinicius jinked into space on the left hand side of the penalty area, and what looked like a curling shot destined for the far corner was helped into the net by a glancing header from Casemiro.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti rang the changes at half-time, replacing his entire starting line-up with the exception of Leo Pereira as the second half got under way.