Prague: Substitute Gabriel Jesus scored twice in the closing minutes Tuesday to help Brazil come from behind to beat the Czech Republic 3-1 in a friendly in Prague.
The Manchester City striker first slammed home a cross from David Neres who had sprinted down the left flank following a superb pass from Danilo on 83 minutes. And then in the 90th minute, Jesus scored on a rebound of his own shot after a series of clinical passes inside the Czech box.
The Czechs took the lead in the 37th minute when midfielder David Pavelka found himself in possession behind a leaky Brazil defence and slammed the ball in past Alisson. Roberto Firmino equalised four minutes after half time, picking up a pass aimed at Czech sweeper Marek Suchy inside the box and firing home.
“I’m super happy with Gabriel Jesus, I’m glad I gave him a chance in the second half,” said Brazil coach Tite, praising the 72nd-minute substitute for his offensive drive.
It was the Czechs, however, who came out all guns blazing, in spite of Brazil’s intricate passing game which saw them dominate ball possession.
Czech striker Patrick Schick had the first shot on goal of the game, forcing a diving save from Alisson at his right post with a low left-footed free-kick deflected by the wall. The Czechs kept trying their luck from long range, but Vladimir Darida fired past the post and Filip Novak saw his attempt stopped by Alisson.
Brazil had a lone shot on goal in the first-half but Czech keeper Jiri Pavlenka had little trouble parrying away Casemiro’s free-kick.
“The Czechs were more creative in the first half, we lacked this aspect,” said Tite. “The first half was tough, I was upset with the passing, but second-half substitutions allowed us to combine better.”
Both teams entered the game with mixed feelings. The Czechs were digesting a 0-5 loss Saturday to England in a Euro 2020 Qualifier at Wembley, their worst defeat in memory. And Brazil, preparing to host this year’s Copa America which starts June 14, were held to a 1-1 draw by Panama in a friendly in Porto on the same day.
“Of course we will assess all players’ performances in these two games – but we still have time before the final nomination for the Copa America,” informed Tite.
AFP
