NewKerala.com

Brazil's World Cup Woes Continue: Ancelotti's Side Held 1-1 by Tunisia

Brazil's World Cup preparations suffered another setback with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Tunisia. The Selecao fell behind early when Hazem Mastouri capitalized on defensive errors to give Tunisia a surprise lead. Teenage sensation Estevao equalized from the penalty spot before halftime for his fifth international goal. The match ended in frustration as Lucas Paqueta blasted a late penalty over the bar, wasting Brazil's chance for a morale-boosting victory.

Key Points: Brazil Held 1-1 by Tunisia in World Cup Preparation Friendly

  • Brazil's frustrating draw extends poor run in World Cup build-up
  • Teen sensation Estevao scores penalty for fifth international goal
  • Lucas Paqueta misses crucial late penalty to win the match
  • Tunisia surprises with early lead through Hazem Mastouri's clinical finish
2 min read

Brazil's World Cup woes continue as Ancelotti's side held 1-1 by Tunisia

Brazil's World Cup preparations hit another setback as Carlo Ancelotti's side drew 1-1 with Tunisia despite teenage star Estevao's equalizing penalty.

"The promise shown by young talents like Estevao continues to be overshadowed by the side's inability to convert dominance into results. - Match Report"

Paris, Nov 19

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil endured another frustrating night in its faltering build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, settling for a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in an international friendly on Tuesday.

Despite fielding a full-strength attack and the continued rise of teenage sensation Estevao, the Selecao once again lacked the sharpness and control expected from a five-time world champion.

Brazil entered the contest under pressure after finishing only fifth in South American qualifying and suffering a 3-2 defeat to Japan last month. Ancelotti responded by naming a bold attacking lineup featuring Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Matheus Cunha and 18-year-old Estevao. But instead of Brazil dominating early, it was Tunisia that produced the first decisive moment.

Midway through the first half, Ali Abdi split the Brazilian defence with a superb pass, allowing Hazem Mastouri to race through and calmly slot past the onrushing Bento. With thousands of Tunisian supporters roaring inside Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the North Africans looked capable of springing an upset.

Brazil, however, pulled level moments before half-time. VAR awarded a penalty for handball, prompting loud dissatisfaction from Tunisian fans. Estevao, who also scored against Senegal on Saturday, stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick for his fifth international goal--further cementing his status as Brazil's brightest emerging star.

The second half brought more frustration for the Selecao. With 12 minutes remaining, they earned another penalty, but substitute Lucas Paqueta took over duties from Estevao and blasted his effort over the bar, wasting a golden chance for a morale-boosting win. Brazil later appealed for a third penalty when Estevao went down in the 89th minute, but the referee, even after a VAR check, declined to change his decision.

The draw leaves Brazil searching for answers as it inches closer to next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. For Ancelotti, the promise shown by young talents like Estevao continues to be overshadowed by the side's inability to convert dominance into results.

Elsewhere in Tuesday's international friendlies, Sadio Mane netted a first-half hat-trick as Senegal demolished Kenya 8-0, while African champion Ivory Coast beat Oman 2-0.

Algeria stunned Saudi Arabia 2-0 with Riyad Mahrez on target, and Morocco cruised to a 4-0 win against Uganda. Uzbekistan, gearing up for its debut World Cup appearance, held Iran to a goalless draw despite the dismissal of Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Estevao looks like the real deal though! At just 18, he's carrying the team. Reminds me of when young Indian cricketers step up in pressure situations. Hope Brazil can build around him properly 🤞
D
David E
Watching from Delhi - Brazil's problem is the same as our cricket team sometimes: too much individual talent, not enough team coordination. They need better strategy, not just star players.
A
Ananya R
Respectfully, I think Ancelotti is overrated for Brazil. He's a great club manager but international football is different. Brazil should have hired a coach who understands their football culture better. The team lacks identity.
S
Sarah B
The penalty misses are costing them crucial points! Reminds me of our Indian hockey team's penalty corner conversions - you have to be clinical when it matters most. Brazil needs better penalty takers.
V
Vikram M
African teams are really improving! Senegal 8-0, Morocco 4-0... Meanwhile Brazil struggling against Tunisia. Football world is changing and traditional powers need to adapt quickly 🌍⚽

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50