Brazil's quest to recapture past glories was matched by Senegal's dynamic display in Tuesday's match. Senegal eventually prevailed 4-2 in a lively match that was far from friendly at times. Here's a closer look at the top and bottom stories from Brazil-Senegal.
The TOPS
Pathé Ciss
The Senegalese midfielder shone on both sides of the pitch. He annihilated a host of opposing attacks by putting his foot down and making tackles that were sometimes borderline. He worked like a maniac, helping Youssouf Sabaly successfully contain Vinicius. This no doubt explains his numerous fouls. The Diambars-trained player showed a lot of heart. He was also the launching pad for the opposition's attacks, combining with Ismaila Sarr and providing some neat passes to Habib Diallo. All in all, a stratospheric performance that should make him a force to be reckoned with.
Ismaïla Sarr
The Senegalese right-winger did his Brazilian counterpart a huge amount of harm. He had the upper hand in almost every action. He also did a lot of crossing in midfield, where he combined a lot with Pathé Ciss. His numerous crosses, especially in the first half, were not quite accurate. This Ismaïla of the great days also played a big part defensively, with a few passes to Vinicius. It was a performance that showed the extent of his talent, which unfortunately he only uses in spurts.
Habib Diallo
He proved those who were calling for him to be called up to the Senegal squad right. First he scored Senegal's equaliser with a perfect, powerful volley. The Strasbourg striker caused Marquinhos and Eder Militao a lot of problems with his back to goal play. He was responsible for Senegal's second and third goals. On both goals, he enabled the attacking block to get back into the game. For the second goal, he set up Ismaïla Sarr, who crossed for Marquinhos to slot home. On the third goal, it was he who shot first before Sadio Mané got the ball. The rest is history.
Flops
Richarlison
The Seleçao striker had almost nothing to get his teeth into. This was down to a well-organised midfield and a concerned Senegalese defence. He could have scored from one of his rare chances in the first half, but just missed the target. That's how his game was summed up. He was replaced around the 65th minute.
Ayrton
The Brazilian left-back had an ordeal. He was subjected to repeated assaults from the dazzling Ismaïla Sarr, whom he was never able to contain. His corridor was the preferred route for the Senegalese players. Pathé Ciss also made a lot of use of it, combining with Ismaïla Sarr, but the Flamengo player never managed to get the better of his opponents. It should also be said that he was not helped by Vinicius and his midfield. He was replaced by Alex Telles in the 73rd minute.
Vinicius
The Real Madrid star got the Brazil-Senegal game off to a flying start, getting the better of Youssouf Sabaly and setting up Paqueta for Brazil's decisive pass. But as the match wore on, the Senegalese right-back gained the upper hand by being hard on the man. As the match progressed, Vinicius disappeared, blocked by Sabaly and harassed by Pathé Ciss. He tried to get out on the left wing, but to no avail. Vinicius was simply invisible in the second half.
🔥🔥Victoire historique pour les champions d’Afrique en match amical international face à la Seleçao ! Le Sénégal inflige une belle correction au Brésil (4-2)! #Sna #Lions #SelecaoBrasileira pic.twitter.com/P182nuJjMp
— Sport News Africa (@snewsafrica) June 20, 2023
