PARIS (Reuters) – Rampant Brazil destroyed 10-man Tunisia 5-1 in a friendly on Tuesday with Raphinha scoring twice and setting up another goal in their last game before the World Cup.
It was another dominant performance by the South American giants who beat Ghana 3-0 on Friday, giving their fans plenty of reasons to be excited by their young team heading into Qatar where they will bid for a record-extending sixth world title.
Raphinha opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a brilliant header from the edge of the area over goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.
However, Tunisia equalized seven minutes later with an opportunistic header by Montassar Talbi from a free kick.
Brazil was back in front a minute later though when Raphinha found Richarlison ghosting behind the defense and the striker fired a low shot between the keeper’s legs.
During the goal celebrations, a banana was thrown from the stands toward the Brazil players, who have been vocal against racism after Vinicius Jr was racially abused by Atletico Madrid fans before their derby against Real Madrid this month.
The Brazilian FA (CBF) released a statement “vehemently repudiating yet another episode of racism in football”.
“The fight against racism is not a cause, but a fundamental change to wipe this type of crime from the planet. I insist on saying that the punishments need to be more severe,” Brazilian FA president Ednaldo Rodrigues said.
