Brazil is heading into the World Cup with momentum, and Sunday's performance in Rio de Janeiro gave Carlo Ancelotti plenty to feel good about. The Seleção ran out 6-2 winners over Panama in a tune-up that got more convincing as the night went on, with four of those goals coming after halftime following a near-total lineup overhaul.
Panama had no real answer for Brazil's quality, and Ancelotti's decision to make 10 changes at the break didn't slow things down one bit. But the result wasn't the story everyone was talking about once the final whistle blew.
Neymar wasn't in the matchday squad, sitting out as he manages a Grade 2 calf injury that's expected to keep him sidelined for two to three weeks. His place in Ancelotti's 26-man World Cup roster had already set off celebrations across Brazil when it was announced, given that this tournament figures to be the final World Cup of his career.
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Neymar Steals the Spotlight in Rio
Neymar will also miss the friendly against Egypt on Saturday, and his availability for Brazil's June 13 opener against Morocco remains up in the air. Ancelotti has said he's optimistic Neymar can be ready for that game, and if not, he's expected to feature against Haiti in the following match.
None of that stopped Neymar from being the main attraction on Sunday night. Once the game ended, players from both sides made a beeline for him. Substitutes, Panama's coaching staff, members of the Panamanian squad - everyone wanted a photo.
Neymar obliged, working through the crowd with a smile, stopping for selfies and taking time with anyone who approached him. The whole scene spread quickly across social media.
It was a sharp reminder of where he stands in world football. The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward remains one of the sport's biggest draws, injured or not.
How the Goals Went In Against Panama
On the pitch, Brazil got going inside the first two minutes. Vinícius Jr. opened the scoring with a strike from outside the area that found the top corner. Panama leveled in the 14th minute when Amir Murillo's free kick deflected off Matheus Cunha and went in. Casemiro restored the lead before the break, heading home a Vinícius cross.
The second half was all Brazil. Rayan made it 3-1 eight minutes after the restart. Lucas Paquetá added a fourth on the hour and Igor Thiago converted from the spot after Orlando Mosquera's foul. Danilo finished off a Paquetá through ball to make it six. Carlos Harvey got one back late for Panama but it barely mattered by then.
Brazil are looking sharp. Now everyone's just waiting on Neymar.
