- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Stadium: Estadio Maracanã
- Date: Sunday, May 31
- Kick-off Time: 10:30 p.m in Nigeria/6:30pm local time
Bet9ja Odds: Brazil 1.09 | Draw 11.25 | Panama 24.00
Bet Builder Odds: 8.50
- Brazil to lead at half-time and full-time
- Vinicius Jr anytime goalscorer
- Brazil over 7.5 corners
- Over 2.5 goals
- Both teams to score – No
Brazil’s World Cup Send-Off Should Be Comfortable
As a Brazilian fan, this is exactly the type of match I expect us to win comfortably.
The Maracanã will be packed, Carlo Ancelotti will want momentum before the World Cup, and there is a huge gap in quality between these two teams. Panama deserve respect for qualifying, but facing Brazil in Rio de Janeiro is about as difficult as it gets.
That is why I like Brazil to be leading both at half-time and full-time.
Brazil have won five of their last six matches against CONCACAF opposition, and Panama arrive without key midfielders Aníbal Godoy and Adalberto Carrasquilla. That is a huge problem against a team that will dominate possession for long spells.
Vinicius Jr Is Ready For A Big Summer
Every World Cup cycle has a player carrying the hopes of a nation. For Brazil, that player is Vinicius Jr.
There is always discussion around his record for the national team compared to Real Madrid, but working again under Carlo Ancelotti could be exactly what he needs. Ancelotti knows how to get the best from him and this feels like the perfect opportunity to build confidence before the tournament starts.
Against a Panama defence that will spend most of the night inside their own half, I fancy Vinicius to get on the scoresheet.
Expect Brazil To Dominate Territory
One market I love here is Brazil over 7.5 corners.
Panama are likely to defend deep and spend long periods without the ball. When Brazil play at home against teams willing to sit back, corners tend to build naturally through sustained pressure.
With Vinicius, Raphinha and Luiz Henrique constantly attacking wide areas, I expect Brazil to pin Panama back for most of the game.
Goals For Brazil, But Not Panama
The final two selections go hand in hand.
Over 2.5 goals appeals because Brazil’s attack should create plenty of chances against a side ranked significantly below them, while both teams to score – No reflects my expectation that Panama will struggle to create many opportunities of their own.
Brazil have the quality to win this match 3-0 or even 4-0 if they are clinical.
Rafael’s Prediction
I think Brazil send the fans home happy before the World Cup.
Predicted score: Brazil 3-0 Panama
The Maracanã crowd gets a convincing win, Vinicius grabs a goal, and Carlo Ancelotti heads to North America with some positive momentum behind his team.
Bet Builder
- Brazil to lead at half-time and full-time
- Vinicius Jr anytime goalscorer
- Brazil over 7.5 corners
- Over 2.5 goals
- Both teams to score – No
Total Odds: 8.50
