Brazil held 1-1 by Panama in lacklustre friendly

PORTO (Agencies): Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw against Panama in an international friendly played at Porto’s Dragao Stadium on Saturday.

AC Milan’s Lucas Paqueta claimed his first international goal for the five-time World Cup winners before captain Adolfo Machado responded for the side in 76th place in the world rankings.

Injured Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar watched the game from the stands as he recovers from a fractured right foot.

“The performance wasn’t brilliant but it wasn’t below par either,” coach Tite said.

“When we go to the Copa America we will make more accurate choices to be more efficient.”

The Selecao opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark.

Midfielder Paqueta was on the end of a deep Casemiro cross to volley home at the back post.

Skipper Machado brought the teams level four minutes later.

Erick Davis’ central free-kick found the centre-back near the penalty spot who lobbed his long-distance header over a stunned Ederson who appealed for offside.

Everton attacker Richarlison came close to bagging his side’s second as his effort smashed the crossbar five minutes after the break.

Real Madrid’s Casemiro had two chances to win the game for Tite’s outfit with a header and a powerful shot with quarter of an hour remaining.

Both teams made a wave of substitutions in the closing moments and Eder Militao went close with an injury-time header.

Next for Brazil is Tuesday’s friendly against the Czech Republic as they prepare to host this year’s Copa America which starts on June 14.