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Brazil continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in impressive fashion, securing a 2-1 victory over Egypt in their final warm-up match in Cleveland and extending their winning streak to three matches.
The five-time world champions arrived with momentum after friendly victories over Croatia and Panama, and they made a bright start against Egypt. Brazil broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when midfielder Bruno Guimares capitalised on a costly mistake from Mohanad Lasheen, as per FIFA. The Egyptian midfielder was caught in possession following a clearance from goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, allowing Guimares to fire a clinical finish into the bottom-right corner. However, Egypt responded almost immediately. Just four minutes later, Mostafa Ziko intercepted a misplaced backpass from Brazil captain Marquinhos and calmly slotted the ball beyond goalkeeper Alisson to level the scores. The goal marked Ziko's second strike in as many appearances for the national team. Brazil suffered a setback midway through the first half when defender Wesley Franca was forced off with an injury. Despite the disruption, Carlo Ancelotti's side gradually regained control of the contest. Vinicius Junior and Igor Thiago both tested Shobeir, while Vinicius also saw a penalty appeal waved away shortly before halftime. Ancelotti made eight changes during the interval, and one of his substitutions delivered the decisive moment in the 52nd minute. Raphinha produced a surging run down the left flank before finding Endrick, who finished first time with precision to restore Brazil's lead. Egypt introduced several fresh faces after the break, including star forward Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool attacker attempted to inspire a comeback and came closest with a deflected long-range effort that sailed over the crossbar. Brazil successfully protected their advantage for the remainder of the match, completing a confidence-boosting victory ahead of their World Cup opener against Morocco. The result underlines the growing momentum within Ancelotti's squad after a difficult qualification campaign. For Egypt, the defeat brings an end to a three-match unbeaten run as they now shift focus to their opening World Cup fixture against Belgium. (ANI)
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