Vinicius Junior showcased his talent in front of a home crowd at the Maracana, scoring a stunning early goal and assisting another as Brazil secured a commanding 6-2 victory over Panama in a friendly match. This performance served as a crucial tune-up for the five-time world champions ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Vinicius Shines in Maracana

With the World Cup just days away, Brazil took to the pitch without star player Neymar, who is sidelined due to a calf injury and is expected to miss the team's opener against Morocco on June 13. Additionally, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, and Gabriel Martinelli were unavailable following the Champions League final. This set the stage for Vinicius, who returned to the stadium where he developed his skills at Flamengo's academy.

Vinicius wasted no time making an impact, scoring just under two minutes into the match. After Casemiro intercepted a Panama play, Vinicius seized the opportunity, driving towards goal and unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box that found the top left corner.

Brazil Dominates Despite Setback

Panama managed to equalize briefly in the 14th minute when Michael Murillo's free kick deflected off Matheus Cunha, catching goalkeeper Alisson off guard and rolling into the net. However, Vinicius quickly restored Brazil's lead in the 39th minute, executing a brilliant run down the left flank before delivering a cross that allowed Casemiro to head in the second goal.

Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti made significant changes at halftime, retaining only center-back Leo Pereira from the starting eleven. The substitutes made an immediate impact, with Rayan scoring in the 52nd minute after capitalizing on a mistake by Panama's goalkeeper, Orlando Mosquera. Lucas Paqueta extended the lead to 4-1 in the 60th minute with a curling shot that deflected past Mosquera, followed by Igor Thiago converting a penalty just three minutes later after being fouled in the box.

Danilo capped off Brazil's scoring in the 81st minute with a close-range effort, before Carlos Harvey netted a consolation goal for Panama with a powerful strike into the top corner just minutes later.

Brazil will face Egypt next weekend before beginning their Group C campaign against Morocco. Meanwhile, Panama, placed in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana, will prepare for their World Cup debut against Ghana on June 16 after matches against the Dominican Republic and Bosnia.