By Lisa Flueckiger, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Brazilian national football (soccer) team took home a convincing victory in last night’s friendly game against the French national side in Paris. The Brazilian goals were scored by Oscar, Luiz Gustavo and once more Neymar.
The French national team opened the score with a header from Real Madrid’s Varane after a corner by Mathieu Valbuena after 21 minutes.
But the Brazilian national side soon reacted and when Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino flicked the ball to Chelsea’s Oscar, the Seleção had their equalizer.
In the second half, Neymar scored after 57 minutes after a pass from Willian and in the 69th minute Luiz Gustavo headed home the third goal for the Brazilians.
For the game Gabriel Paulista from Arsenal received his first call-up to the Seleção, replacing injured PSG defender David Luiz. Yet, he remained on the bench during yesterday’s friendly game.
Corinthians defender Gil and Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano also received late calls to the squad, replacing Marquinhos and Diego Tardelli respectively. Luiz Adriano came onto the pitch replacing Roberto Firmino after 88 minutes for some last minute action.
The victory last night was Brazil’s seventh consecutive victory after the World Cup out against Germany, all under new coach Dunga. It was the eighth goal for Neymar in the seven games.
For France it was the first defeat since the World Cup last year. The French side, in a similar situation as Brazil before the World Cup, will host the 2016 European Championship and therefore won’t play any qualifying games. Thus, the team will have to step it up in the up-coming friendly games to prepare for the UEFA tournament next year.
Brazil will play their next friendly game against Chile on Sunday, March 29th in London. The game is set to start at 11AM Brasília time.
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