Brazil rout Panama in World Cup warm-up at the Maracana

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil produced an emphatic 6-2 win over Panama on Sunday in a one-sided World Cup farewell match at the Maracana before heading into the tournament.

The hosts went ahead inside the first minute when Vinicius Jr took a pass from Casemiro and struck from 25 yards. Panama levelled in the 14th minute through an unusual goal, with Michael Murillo's free-kick taking a deflection off Matheus Cunha and beating goalkeeper Alisson.

Brazil regained the lead six minutes before the break through the same Vinicius-Casemiro combination. Vinicius created space on the left side of the penalty area and his effort, which appeared to be heading for the far corner, was diverted into the net by Casemiro with a glancing header.

Second-half changes bring more goals

Coach Carlo Ancelotti overhauled his side at half-time, keeping only Leo Pereira from the starting lineup as Brazil began the second half with a largely changed team. The reshaped side quickly extended its advantage with three goals in a short spell.

Rayan made it 3-1 in the 53rd minute after collecting a misplaced pass from Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera on the right and finishing calmly. Lucas Paqueta added the fourth from the edge of the box in the 60th minute, before Igor Thiago converted from the spot three minutes later after Mosquera brought him down.

Danilo of Botafogo completed Brazil's scoring in the 81st minute, bringing down a floated pass from Paqueta in the area, evading the Panama defence and finishing decisively. Panama scored again late on when Carlos Harvey found the net with a long-range strike from 30 yards.

Next fixtures before tournament opener

Brazil are due to play one more friendly, against Egypt in Cleveland, Ohio next Saturday, before opening their World Cup Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13. Brazil's other first-round opponents are Haiti and Scotland.