Real Madrid’s Rodrygo turned in an attacking clinic to cover up a tepid Selecao showing
Rodrygo showed just how effective he can be, but Brazil were otherwise unconvincing in a 1-1 draw with the USMNT in a Copa America warmup friendly.
The Real Madrid star bagged the Selecao’s only goal, rather masking the loose performance around him – best encapsulated by the lack of incisive attacking edge when Endrick sat on the bench.
The USMNT had the best chance early on, Yunus Musah cranking a shot off the bar inside five minutes. Rodrygo opened the scoring, firing into the bottom corner after a defensive collapse from the hosts.
But the USMNT responded, with Christian Pulisic smashing a free-kick into the bottom corner. Brazil created more after the break. Rodrygo put an acrobatic bicycle kick wide. Endrick almost scored within seconds of entering the fray after surging through on goal. Pulisic could have made it 2-1, but fired right at the keeper from 10 yards out.
Rodrygo came close again soon after, beating his man before being denied by a fine reaction stop from Turner. And despite waves of pressure, the USMNT managed to keep Brazil at arm’s length, the visitors settling for a slightly disappointing tie in their final Copa America warmup effort.
Footballblogzz rates Brazil’s players from Camping World Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson (7/10):
Made some impressive saves throughout. Wrong footed on the US goal, though.
Danilo (5/10):
Given the runaround by Pulisic for the most part. He looked old.
Marquinhos (6/10):
Gave up the free kick that led up to the hosts’ equaliser. Solid against Ricardo Pepi otherwise.
Lucas Beraldo (7/10):
Put in a few decent tackles and held his ground well. An impressive performance at the back.
Wendell (7/10):
Kept Tim Weah quiet for long stretches, and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in. Covered for Vinicius well, too.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes (5/10):
Not always his usual solid self at the base of midfield. Subbed after an hour.
Lucas Paqueta (5/10):
Struggled to get involved, and didn’t squeeze gaps in the middle defensively, either.
Joao Gomes (4/10):
Picked up an early booking, didn’t really get involved. Subbed at half time.
Attack
Raphinha (5/10):
Ran at Antonee Robinson, but tried to force it a bit too often. Ineffective, all said.
Rodrygo (8/10):
Took his goal wonderfully – he’s an underrated finisher. Almost followed it with a bicycle kick, and was narrowly denied by Matt Turner, too. A terrific performance.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
Moved into central areas often in the first few minutes, but sat on the touchline thereafter. Never quite got in the game and lacked his usual clinical edge.
Subs & Manager
Douglas Luiz (6/10):
Clean in central areas. Did enough to suggest he deserves to start.
Endrick (7/10):
Almost scored within seconds of coming on. Had a few more good looks on goal. Should certainly start.
Savio (6/10):
Tried to make things happen, but didn’t have much space to do so.
Andreas Pereira (6/10):
Not involved much, a few poor deliveries aside.
Gabriel Martinelli (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Dorival Jr (6/10):
Went with a Vinicius-Rodrygo-Raphinha front three, leaving Endrick on the bench. It wasn’t necessarily the best decision, as the Selecao were far better when the teenager came on. Has yet to convince at the helm.
