The 5-2 score line may not accurately reflect the game, but Brazil fought hard to defeat the UAE in Novi Sad, Serbia, on Wednesday. Matheus Cunha’s quick-fire brace help put the game beyond doubt for Brazil in the seven-goal thriller.
André Jardine’s team fell behind to an own goal by Nino in the 21st minute of their final friendly match before getting back level with Diego Carlos’s header just before halftime.
The second half was a rollercoaster, with UAE regaining the lead 22 minutes in. In the span of six minutes, Brazil then scored three goals, before completing the rout late in the game.
Reinier, Cunha (who scored a brace), and Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli all scored goals for Brazil. UAE’s second goal was scored by Abdulla Alnaqbi.
The Olympic team will fly to Tokyo on Friday morning. Richarlison and Douglas Luiz, who played for Brazil in the Copa América, joined the Olympic group on Thursday but did not participate in the match. So far, only Malcolm has remained silent. On the 18th, the Zenit striker will arrive in the Olympic city after being granted a last-minute release.
Brazil will compete in the Olympic group stage against Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, and Saudi Arabia. The first match is against Germany on Thursday, in a rematch of the Maracana final from the last Olympic Games.
Brazil Olympic Games Fixture list
Thursday, July 22nd – Brazil vs. Germany – 8:30 a.m. (Brasilia) – Yokohama Stadium,
Sunday, July 25 – Ivory Coast vs. Brazil – 5:30 a.m. – Yokohama Stadium – Brazil vs. Saudi Arabia,
Wednesday, July 28 – Brazil vs. Saudi Arabia – 5 a.m. Saitama Stadium, Japan (Miyagi).
