Brazil Falter After Halftime
For their November friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, Carlo Ancelotti ordered Brazil to treat them like World Cup games. Yet this Brazil squad seems capable of playing only one good half.
Against Senegal, Brazil at least controlled the first 45 minutes and won 2–0. But against Tunisia, they did not even manage half a good half. They trailed 0–1 before equalising from the spot. Tunisia later pushed the match into a 50-50 battle, something unthinkable for the five-time champions.
Fans in ASEAN markets following through 12BET Malaysia were stunned by the lack of intensity — login 12BET to track upcoming Brazil odds.
Estêvão The Lone Bright Spot
Across both games vs African opponents, Estêvão was Brazil’s only standout.
He scored in both matches and now has six goals in 11 Brazil appearances.
After the Senegal match, Ancelotti even said:
“It’s surprising to see such talent in someone so young. Precise, sharp — he guarantees Brazil’s future.”
But when an 18-year-old carries the entire attack, it raises a painful question: Where are the other stars?
If they rely solely on Estêvão, Brazil may not go far at the next World Cup.
12BET Malaysia analytics highlighted Estêvão as Brazil’s most effective player — login 12BET for updated performance data.
First Half Brazil Exposed on the Right Flank
Right Side Collapses
Ancelotti rotated the goalkeeper and defensive line. Bento started in goal; Militão moved to centre-back; Wesley started at right-back.
Tunisia’s strategy was clear — attack Wesley’s flank repeatedly.
Tunisia Strike First
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9’ Wesley fouled Hannibal Mejbri and earned a yellow.
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23’ Wesley lost the ball in the attacking half, Tunisia broke quickly, Ali Abdi crossed, and Mastouri scored for 1–0.
Wesley was fortunate not to receive a second yellow moments earlier.
Estêvão Converts the Penalty
VAR Awards the Spot Kick
In the 39th minute, Estêvão won a free-kick on the right.
His delivery led to Militão’s header, which struck Dylan Bronn’s hand.
Penalty given after VAR review.
Estêvão kissed the ball, stepped up, sent the keeper the wrong way, and made it 1–1.
Brazil controlled:
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65% possession
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9 shots vs 4
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5 corners vs 2
Yet the score remained level.
Punters on 12BET Malaysia saw Brazil’s odds shorten after the equaliser — login 12BET for live-match markets.
Second Half Brazil Waste Chances
Paquetá Misses a Crucial Penalty
Brazil made early changes:
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Vitor Roque for Cunha
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Danilo for Wesley
Despite dominating the ball, Brazil could not break Tunisia’s compact 5-3-2.
In the 75th minute, Brazil earned another penalty after Tunisia botched their buildup.
This time Paquetá took responsibility — and blasted it over the bar.
A golden chance gone.
Estêvão Hits the Post at the End
Tunisia came close through Gharbi’s long-range effort.
Seconds later, Estêvão struck the post from distance — the game’s last kick.
Brazil were inches from turning embarrassment into victory.
12BET Malaysia listed Estêvão as man of the match — login 12BET to follow future fixtures.
Why Didn’t Estêvão Take the Second Penalty
Ancelotti explained:
“I wanted to reduce his pressure. Paquetá is also a penalty taker.”
However, fans questioned the logic:
Estêvão had already scored confidently, while Paquetá is known for inconsistency from the spot.
Brazil’s Problems Run Deep
Defensive Weakness
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Right-back remains a major weakness.
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Goalkeeper position is suddenly unstable.
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Bento made two risky errors with his distribution.
Inconsistent Attack
When Rodrygo, Vinícius and Cunha lose form, only the teenager Estêvão provides solutions.
Squad Almost Finalised
Ancelotti admitted the World Cup squad is “almost complete”, with only a few uncertain positions left.
But current performances raise concerns about Brazil reaching top form in time.
Fans across ASEAN regions following 12BET Malaysia will keep a close eye on Brazil’s preparations — login 12BET for qualified market updates.