Paris: In what would be their final match before the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, South-American football giant Brazil defeated Tunisia 5-1 with 10 men with striker Raphinha scoring twice and assisting on a third.
Brazil, who defeated Ghana 3-0 on Friday, continued their impressive run, giving their supporters many reasons to be enthusiastic about their young team as they travel to Qatar to compete for a record-extending sixth world championship.
Raphinha scored the game’s first goal in the 11th minute with a spectacular header over opposite goal keeper Aymen Dahmen from the edge of the box. But seven minutes later, Montassar Talbi scored an opportunistic header from a free kick to tie the score for Tunisia.
A minute later, though, Richarlison found himself ghosting behind the defense, and Raphinha found him. The striker then sent a low shot between the keeper’s legs to give Brazil lead once more.
The Brazil players, who have been outspoken about racism since Vinicius Jr. was subjected to racial taunts from Atletico Madrid supporters prior to their derby match against Real Madrid last month, were thrown a banana during the goal celebrations.
In a statement, the Brazilian FA (CBF) denounced “yet another incidence of racism in football” with vehemence.
“The fight against racism is not a cause, but a fundamental change to wipe this type of crime from the planet. I insist on saying that the punishments need to be more severe,” Brazilian FA President Mr. Ednaldo Rodrigues said.
Brazil increased their lead in the 29th minute through a penalty. After a lightning quick counterattack, Mr. Raphinha scored his second goal in the 40th minute with a perfect low drive from the edge of the area. Tunisia’s Dylan Bronn was given a straight red card for a foul on Mr. Neymar two minutes later.
Brazil relaxed in the second half as manager Tite brought on a number of replacements because they were certain to win. The Flamengo forward Pedro, who has been the talk of the Brazilian league this year, entered the game in the 74th minute and scored the fifth goal with a beautiful first-time effort from the edge of the box.
Brazil will play Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G at the World Cup.
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