Brazil enter FIFA World Cup confident after Egypt win in warm-up match

CLEVELAND: Brazil head into the FIFA World Cup in confident mood after a 2–1 victory over Egypt in their final warm-up match here at Huntington Bank Field on Saturday.

Goals from Bruno Guimaraes and substitute Endrick secured the win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, as they responded strongly to an equaliser from Egypt’s Mostafa Zico in an entertaining contest in Cleveland.

Brazil made a fast start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Guimaraes capitalised on a defensive mistake by Mohanad Lasheen on the edge of the penalty area before calmly finishing into the bottom-right corner.

However, Egypt levelled just four minutes later after a costly error from Marquinhos, who played a careless pass back towards Alisson.

Zico intercepted the ball and showed composure to slot past the Liverpool goalkeeper.

The South Americans created several chances to regain the lead before half-time, with Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Igor Thiago all denied by a fine goalkeeping display from Mostafa Shobeir.

Ancelotti made eight changes at the break, a decision that quickly paid off.

Endrick, introduced in the second half, scored the winner shortly after coming on, converting Raphinha’s cutback following an impressive run down the left flank.

Brazil dominated overall, registering 1.81 expected goals from 12 shots compared to their opponents’ 0.4 from five attempts.

The performance highlighted Brazil’s attacking depth, with Raphinha particularly influential, while Vinicius and Matheus Cunha also posed consistent threats.

Endrick’s decisive impact further strengthened his case for a more prominent role despite recent struggles in qualifying.

Attention now turns to Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on 13 June, with ongoing discussion around Neymar’s fitness.

Egypt, meanwhile, will face Belgium in their opening match on 15 June after suffering their first defeat since January.