Endrick gives Ancelotti a headache

Brazil and Egypt’s World Cup preparations are complete. In a tournament tune-up played on U.S. soil, both teams played their final friendly before heading into the most important tournament on the international stage. The match finished 2-1 in Cleveland, with the North Africans springing a few surprises from the opening whistle - with a notably unexpected lineup - while the South Americans largely stuck to the script from their outing against Panama, making only minor tweaks that didn’t fundamentally alter their approach.

Zico cancels out Bruno opener

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil pressed high once again and made it count. In a play that’s becoming a hallmark of this Canarinha side, Bruno Guimarães pounced on a turnover, winning the ball from Mohanad Lasheen and firing low into the net put the five-time world champions in front. The lead didn’t last long, though. Egypt’s earlier mistake was canceled out by a Marquinhos error on a back pass - one that Mostafa Zico seized upon ruthlessly to beat Alisson.

From there, Brazil laid siege in a push-and-pull stretch where Mohamed El-Shenawy Shobeir turned into a wall over the first 45 minutes. Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Igor Thiago - wave after wave of Brazilian attackers tried to restore the lead, but the Egyptian goalkeeper stood firm, denying everything that came his way. It eventually forced Brazil to lean on crosses into the box, a route that yielded little.

Endrick the match winner

Taking no chances - just as he had after Wesley picked up a knock in the first half - Ancelotti overhauled his side almost entirely. And Brazil’s second unit showed once again that the hunger within the squad runs deep. Luiz Henrique entered ready to take on anyone in his path, but it was Endrick who stole the spotlight, scoring his team’s second.

The Real Madrid forward, as relentless as ever, popped up in the box to pounce on a loose ball and tuck it home - another statement bid for a starting spot. That goal ultimately sealed the win for the Seleção. Despite Egypt’s attempts to claw their way back, with Mohamed Salah leading the charge in Ohio after coming on for the second half, the African side never truly threatened Weverton’s goal.

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