Orlando (United States) (AFP) – Brazil bounced back from last week’s friendly defeat to France to score a 3-1 victory over Croatia in their World Cup warm-up game in Orlando on Tuesday. Goals from Danilo, Igor Thiago, and Gabriel Martinelli secured victory in what was Brazil’s final game before coach Carlo Ancelotti names his World Cup squad.
The Brazilians took the lead with a superb goal on the counter-attack in first-half stoppage time, Botafogo attacker Danilo finishing emphatically after a blistering run from Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. Croatia equalized through Lovro Majer in the 83rd minute, but second-half substitute Endrick turned the match back in Brazil’s favor. The Lyon forward earned the penalty converted by Igor Thiago to equalize in the 88th minute, then set up Martinelli for Brazil’s third in added time to seal the win.
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The result offered a measure of revenge for Brazil, who were knocked out by Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Brazil, seeking a sixth world title after last lifting the trophy in 2002, will open their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13, before facing Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24.
Croatia begin their World Cup in Group L with a high-profile clash against England on June 17, followed by matches against Panama on June 23 and Ghana on June 27.
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