The Road to 2026 World Cup series in the USA commenced on Thursday afternoon at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in Massachussets with Brazil losing 2-1 to France.
Probably the top-notch international fixture in the world since 1998, the two teams have ruled international football since the late 1990s, making their meetings a must-watch.
Both teams paraded superstars in their attack, with Didier Deschamps starting Ekitike, Mbappe, Olise and Dembele while Carlo Ancelotti started Vinicius Junior, Cunha, Raphinha and Martinelli for Brazil.
It was a matter of who had the best attack between the two teams, and France ultimately proved to be the winner.
After pressing Brazil for a long time, Dembele’s wonderful through pass in the 32nd minute was beautifully lifted over Ederson to give France a well-deserved lead.
Les Blues ended the first half as the best side and continued it until Dayot Upamecano got his marching orders in the 55th minute after VAR helped Referee Guido Gonzalez to cancel the early yellow he showed to the centre back who pushed Cunha, who was through on goal.
Brazil slightly took over the control of the game, but France caught them on the break, where Olise set up Ekitike, who finished nicely to make it 2-0 for the Europeans.
Brazil scored through Juventus’ Bremer to make it 2-1, but it was too late for the Selecao to stage a comeback.
France will finish the March international break against Colombia, while Brazil will meet Croatia.
