Brazil held to 1-1 draw by Panama in friendly

AC Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta scored his first international goal as a lackluster Brazil drew 1-1 with Panama in an international friendly.

In the match here on Saturday, Paqueta put the five-time world champions ahead in the 31st minute by meeting Casemiro's diagonal cross with a volley that goalkeeper Luis Mejias failed to grasp, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, Panama equalised shortly after when Adolfo Machada sent a looping header past goalkeeper Ederson.

Brazil dominated possession but Richarlison and Casemiro were both denied by the woodwork in the second half as Panama ended a run of four consecutive defeats against the South American team.

 

The Selecao were without Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar as he continues his recovery from a fractured metatarsal injury.

Coach Tite handed a debut to left-back Alex Telles while his Porto teammate Eder Militao made his second appearance.

--IANS

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