In a thrilling pre-Copa America friendly, Brazil secured a 3-2 victory over Mexico with a 96th-minute winner from Endrick. Brazil coach Dorival Junior opted for an experimental lineup for the clash in Texas, but it was one of his substitutes who ultimately made the difference for the Selecao.
Endrick, who is set to join Real Madrid after the Copa America, emerged as the hero as he brilliantly headed in a cross from Los Blancos star Vinicius Junior. This goal marked the end of a topsy-turvy game in which Brazil had initially surrendered a 2-0 lead.
Andreas Pereira opened the scoring for Brazil after just five minutes, followed by Gabriel Martinelli doubling their lead with a simple finish in the 54th minute. However, Mexico, who were coming off a 4-0 defeat against Uruguay, managed to level the score with goals from Julian Quinones and Guillermo Martinez, the latter coming in the 92nd minute.
But the draw was short-lived, as Vinicius and Endrick combined excellently to secure Brazil’s winning goal, showcasing the potential partnership they hope to replicate at Madrid next season.
Brazil’s next challenge will be a friendly against the United States before they kick off their Copa America campaign against Costa Rica.
In other news, Endrick continues to shine on the international stage. The 17-year-old became the youngest goalscorer in an international match at Wembley when he found the net against England in March. Now, in 2024, he has already scored three goals in just 93 minutes for the Selecao, boasting an impressive conversion rate of 50% from his six shots during that time.
With such promising performances, it’s clear that a star is born in Endrick. Fans and pundits alike eagerly await his future exploits on both the domestic and international stage.
