Late Drama Seals Brazil’s 3-1 Comeback Win Over Croatia in USA Friendly
1 April 2026
A last-gasp victory for the Seleção.
Match Recap
Brazil, led by veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, beat Croatia 3-1 in a friendly on Wednesday, as both teams prepare for the 2026 World Cup summer action.
Brazil head to the World Cup summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in Group 3 with Morocco, Haiti, Scotland.
Croatia appear in Group 12 with England, Panama, and Ghana at World Cup.
Brazil's squad had earlier fallen 2-1 to France in their first warm-up, only to rally late and beat Croatia in the United States that night.
Danilo opened the scoring for Brazil just after halftime at 45+2, while Croatia equalized via Lovro Majer in the 84th minute.
In the final minutes, Brazil netted two successive goals through Igor Tiago from a penalty at 88 and Gabriel Martinelli at 90+2.
The win keeps Brazil on track for the World Cup and offers a confidence boost after the France loss that night.
Danilo's early goal opened the scoring, with Majer's late equalizer giving hope before Tiago and Martinelli sealed it.
The match, staged in the United States, showcased Brazil's depth and attacking versatility.
Notes and Humor
Punchline: If football were a sniper rifle, Ancelotti just took the headshot on expectations.
Punchline: Brazil won, and Croatia thought it was a friendly; turns out it was a fire drill.
