Brazil beat Senegal 2-0 in feisty football friendly
Agency:
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has apologised to Arsenal after Gabriel Magalhaes suffered what seemed to be a serious injury in the 2-0 friendly win over Senegal on Saturday.
The Gunners defender could face a lengthy time on the sidelines after an abductor issue, and he will have to wait to learn the severity of the problem in a blow to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
When asked about the injury, Ancelotti said: “Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow. We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon.”
Ironically, first-half goals from Estevao and Casemiro secured a 2-0 victory for Brazil in a fiery friendly at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
The win marked the five-time World Cup champions’ maiden triumph against their African opponents and Ancelotti’s fourth victory in seven matches as Brazil coach.
The match was anything but a typical friendly, with several rough challenges and a couple of near skirmishes in a spiky encounter in London.
Brazil created several chances with a fluid four-man offensive front with Vinicius Jr playing as a striker and Estevao and Rodrygo running the channels while Matheus Cunha took the playmaker duty as an attacking midfielder.
At the back, Ancelotti made a defensive shake-up, starting centreback Eder Militao as a right back as the coach continues to search for reliable full-backs.
The result was remarkably positive, with the 27-year-old Real Madrid defender playing key roles in coverage and supporting the attack and connecting well with skilled teenager Estevao, who was a constant menace from the right.
Their breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Casemiro’s intended through-ball deflected off a Senegalese defender, falling perfectly into the path of Estevao, who arrived at lightning speed to clinically slot a left-footed shot inside the far post.
Ancelotti reserved special praise for the youngster.
“Estevao has incredible amount of talent,” he said. “It’s a surprise this level at his age. He’s good at finishing, has a lot of magic… and he works very hard.”