Real Madrid’s Rodrygo turned to attack to cover up the Selecao’s dismal performance

Rodrygo showed how effective he can be, but Brazil were unconvincing in a 1-1 draw with the USMNT in a Copa America warm-up friendly.

The Real Madrid star scored the Selecao’s only goal, instead masking the lax performance around him – most evident in the lack of cutting edge when Endrick sat on the bench.

The USMNT had its best chance early on, Yunus Musah sending his shot over the bar within five minutes. However, Rodrygo opened the scoring with a shot into the bottom corner behind the home team’s defense.

But the USMNT responded, Christian Pulisic took a direct free kick into the bottom corner. Brazil created more after the break. Rodrygo performed an acrobatic bicycle kick that went wide of the post. Endrick nearly scored within seconds of entering the game after rushing towards goal. Pulisic could have increased the score to 2-1 but shot straight at the goalkeeper from 10 meters away.

Rodrygo came close again soon after, hitting his man before being denied a good response by Turner. And despite waves of pressure, the USMNT managed to keep Brazil at bay, the visitors settling for a somewhat disappointing draw in their final Copa America warm-up effort.