New Brazil manager Dorival Junior kicked off his bid to revive the five-time world champions with a 1-0 win over England as teenage sensation Endrick scored his first international goal in Saturday’s friendly at Wembley.
After suffering their worst spell in more than 60 years, Brazil are hoping Dorival Junior can spark a revival in time to challenge for the 2026 World Cup.
It’s an important first step in the right direction for the Selecao, who marked their manager’s debut with a victory against an England side expected to mount a tough challenge to win Euro 2024.
On a cathartic night for Brazil after their miserable 2023, it suited the highly-rated Endrick who bagged Brazil’s last-gasp winner.
The Palmeiras striker, who is expected to join Real Madrid in July, has been tipped to succeed Neymar as Brazil’s latest superstar and his match-winning appearance off the bench was a fitting moment to come of age in his third appearance.
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Endrick stole the show in the 80th minute when the teenager came on, defying England’s offside calls after Vinicius Junior’s shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.
Aged 17 years and 246 days, Endrick is Wembley’s youngest senior international goalscorer.
He is also the youngest player to score for Brazil since Ronaldo in 1994.
“Time will tell how far he can go.” You have to be calm and patient with him,” said Dorival Junior.
Endrick’s emergence is a breath of fresh air for Brazil after an unusually quiet period for the Selecao.
Snubbed by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and frustrated by the failures of two interim coaches, Dorival Junior’s mission is to ensure Brazil’s qualification for the World Cup.
The 61-year-old left Sao Paolo to take charge of Brazil in January, ascending to the most scrutinized job in world football at a time when his country had just finished a calendar year with more defeats (five) than victories (three) for the first time. time since 1963.
Beaten in three consecutive World Cup qualifying matches for the first time, Brazil faces a nervy struggle to qualify for the 2026 tournament.
But with the dynamism of Vinicius Junior, the emergence of Endrick and the combative performances of his teammates, Brazil finally has reason to be optimistic.
England manager Gareth Southgate was impressed by the new Brazil, saying: “The difference was a moment of cruelty.
“In the attacking third they have players of the highest quality. The three midfielders are also all technical players.
“They have fabulous attackers and we have to defend well. Endrick completed his objective. It’s a good moment for him.
Kane misses Belgium match
Brazil will look to continue the momentum of their first win over England since 2009 in another friendly against Spain on Tuesday.
England’s thumping performance featured few highlights, although Southgate will have been encouraged by Newcastle striker Anthony Gordon’s lively debut.
England wore their controversial new home kit for the first time after criticism of manufacturer Nike’s decision to change the color of the St George’s Cross on the shirt.
The shirt debate will soon be forgotten, but Southgate will not have fond memories of his debut as England lost at home for the first time in 21 games.
Southgate opted for Ollie Watkins instead of Ivan Toney as England’s central striker, with Harry Kane taking no risks due to an ankle injury.
But Watkins has done little to suggest he could shoulder the burden should Kane suffer an injury at the Euros.
To add to Southgate’s problems, England stand-in captain Kyle Walker was forced off the field with a hamstring injury.
“He feels something. We just have to evaluate it over the next few days,” Southgate said.
Belgium’s friendly visit to Wembley on Tuesday represents the last chance for England’s fringe players to impress before Southgate names his Euro squad.
“I’m not disappointed with the performance at all. Obviously I don’t like losing, but I think there have been a lot of really good performances from players who have hardly played for England,” said Southgate, who revealed that Kane would not be fit for the match against Belgium.
