Friendlies: Selecao hit hard on sparing partners Guinea

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton scored 27 minutes into his Brazil debut and Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr converted a late penalty as the Selecao won for the first time since the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 4-1 victory over spirited Guinea in Barcelona.

Against a side 76 places below them in FIFA’s standings, third-ranked Brazil scored twice in three first-half minutes at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium, Joelinton prodding in from close range before Madrid’s Rodrygo latched on to a pass from Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Richarlison and produced a composed finish.

Guinea manager Kaba Diawara, who played for clubs including Arsenal and Paris St-Germain as a player, had spoken of his desire for his team to earn a positive result, and they hit back when lone striker Serhou Guirassy – who will join Stuttgart from Rennes in July – evaded Marquinhos to nod in a 36th-minute reply.

On a night when Brazil played the first half in black shirts as part of an anti-racism initiative, they re-established their two-goal lead two minutes into the second half when Madrid defender Eder Militao glanced in a cross from West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson denied Guinea substitute Jose Kante from close range as part of a smart double save before Vinicius Jr – the subject of sickening racist abuse during several matches in Spain – converted a penalty three minutes from time.

As welcome as Vinicius Jr’s goal was on an occasion when players and fans united against discrimination, the 22-year-old was also a little fortunate to see his strike go in via Ibrahima Kone’s body as the goalkeeper dived the correct way.

The victory was Brazil’s first under interim head coach Ramon Menezes, who succeeded Tite following the manager’s departure in the aftermath of their defeat on penalties to Croatia in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Brazil are next in competitive action when they face Bolivia and Peru in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.

Guinea suffered their second defeat in four days to go with their 2-1 defeat to Egypt on Wednesday, when they had held the lead in Marrakech.

Diawara’s players impressed with their willingness to attack the five-time World Cup winners and are on the brink of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations in January ahead of their final two qualification matches for the tournament.