Result: Brazil 2-0 Senegal | Post-match report

The Emirates Stadium hosted an international friendly match between Brazil and Senegal on Saturday, which the team from across the Atlantic won 2-0.

Brazil won the match at half-time after Estevao put them ahead, before Casemiro made it two from a neat free-kick.

The score didn’t disrupt the electric feeling of either set of supporters, however, as the vibrations reverberated throughout our house.

What happened

The pre-match party atmosphere around N5 reverberated through our stadium, as supporters of both teams brought energy and enthusiasm. However, it was the fans of the South American team who were first to their feet when Vinicius Junior scored Brazil’s first shot on target in the opening moments. Edouard Mendy smothered the ball well to stop the Real Madrid star.

Senegal no. I was alive again a few moments later, this time to push back Matheus Cunha, found at the edge of the area by Rodrygo, but Mendy was there again to tip beyond his post.

A busy Vinicius Jr broke free down the left flank inside the opening ten minutes and cut inside brilliantly, only to unleash an effort that almost wrong-footed Mendy, but the striker adjusted in time and parried to safety.

It was the whole team in famous yellow, and a quarter of an hour into the game, Cunha hit the post. Manchester United’s summer signing leapt high to meet Bruno Guimaraes’ cross into the box and directed his header beyond Mendy, but only onto the woodwork.

It was Rodrygo’s turn to test Mendy after being spotted on the left flank by his Madrid club team-mate Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian returned to his right foot and sent a fierce effort towards the Senegalese net, but Mendy was there to keep the ball away from danger.

The inevitable Selecao were in the lead in the next phase of the game, when Casemiro’s close-range shot deflected into the path of Estevao on the right. The Chelsea youngster cut back onto his favored left foot and curled his effort around Mendy and into the far corner of the net. The Emirates have transformed into a sea of ​​green and gold.

Brazil were on the double in the 35th minute when Rodrygo’s free kick found Casemiro unmarked at the far post, and the veteran had plenty of time to control the ball and volley his shot past Mendy into the top right corner. A lengthy check from the video assistant referee was necessary to ensure the five-time Champions League winner was in play, but the goal was 2-0.

A festive wave broke loose around the crowd as Ismail Jakobs looked to bring Senegal to life with a set piece from the edge of Ederson’s box. However, he couldn’t curb his attempt and the ball flew high into the lively crowd.

Ederson was twice called upon moments before half-time, first with a goal-line clearance to deny Jakobs, before Antione Mendy had an effort of his own, but the Brazilian keeper dived well to keep the two-goal lead intact.

The occasion turned feisty as injury time ticked into the first 45, when VAR was again required to consider a penalty request from Senegal, which was ultimately rejected, and caused a ruckus between the two teams. Instead, Sadio Mané’s free kick was rewarded, but his effort collided with Brazil’s defensive blockade for the final kick of the half.

The African nation continued their pressure after the break, when a short back pass to Ederson allowed substitute Nicolas Jackson to pounce and drop the ball to Iliman Ndiaye. Yet his shot was tame and flew off the post with little substance.

It looked like bad news for our Gunners, as Gabriel was unfortunately forced off the field injured after the hour mark, as he pulled off with what appeared to be a groin injury.

Brazil almost scored three points when Vinicius Jr used his low center of gravity to break free from the defender and send a dangerous ball across the Senegalese penalty area in an attempt to find Estavao. The ball, however, is pushed away by Kalidou Koulibaly, who returns just in time.

Flashlights and torches were lit on the pitch to create an incredible light show between the stands, to which the Teranga Lions responded with increased octane. However, the tie was long over and Brazil eventually won 2-0.

What’s next

Brazil continues to prepare for next summer’s World Cup with a friendly match against Tunisia on Tuesday, November 18. The match will take place at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in France, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (UK time).

Senegal face Kenya on Tuesday, in what will be their final test before competing in the Africa Cup of Nations next month. Kick-off at the Mardan Stadyumu in Türkiye is scheduled for 3pm (UK time).

TEAM NEWS

Brazil XI: Ederson, Militao, Gabriel (Wesley 63), Marquinhos, Casemiro, Sandro (Bruno 89), Guimaraes, Cunha (Pedro 63), Estevao (L. Henrique 82), Rodrygo (Paqueta 82), Vinicus Jr (C. Henrique 89).

Unused submarines: Victor, Bento, Danilo, Wesley, P. Henrique, Fabinho, Andrey, Richarlison, Roque, Juba.

Senegal XI: E. Mendy, Koulibaly, I. Guese, Mane (Mbaye 73), I. Ndiaye (People 81), Jakobs, P. Sarr (Jackson 48), I. Sarr, Niakhate (C. Niaye 81), A. Meyy (E. Diouf 73).

Unused submarines: Y. Diuou, Diwu, M. Sarr, M. Camara, Dia, I. Camara, R. N other.