In a dramatic preparation match for the 2024 Copa America, 17-year-old Endrick scored a decisive 96th-minute goal to lead Brazil to a 3-2 victory over Mexico on Saturday at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. This friendly match not only highlighted Brazil's growing confidence but also showcased Endrick's burgeoning talent as he is set to join Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer.
The match started with Brazil exerting immediate pressure, and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli almost connected with a cross in Mexico's 18-yard box within the first 30 seconds. Brazil's persistence paid off early when Fulham's Andreas Pereira skillfully navigated past Mexico's defense to score in the fifth minute, making it 1-0.
Mexico responded with increased offensive momentum, and in the 20th minute, fullback Gerardo Arteaga tested Brazil's goalkeeper Alisson with a powerful shot. Despite their efforts, Mexico struggled to create significant threats and connect effectively with their star striker, Santiago Giménez.
Brazil extended their lead in the 54th minute thanks to an assist from Yan Couto, which allowed Martinelli to capitalize and make it 2-0. However, the match faced a brief interruption in the 59th minute due to an anti-gay chant from the majority-Mexico crowd, a recurring issue at Mexico matches.
Once the game resumed, Mexico found a lifeline through second-half substitute Alexis Vega, who delivered a powerful cross that Julián Quiñones converted into a goal. In a dramatic turn of events, Mexico's Guillermo Martínez scored in the 92nd minute, equalizing the score at 2-2 following a corner scramble.
But Brazil's young sensation Endrick sealed the victory with a header off a cross from his soon-to-be Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior, marking his third goal for the national team after scoring in high-profile friendlies against England and Spain in March.
The match drew an impressive crowd of 85,249, the third-largest in MexTour history, though it fell short of the 90,526 record set in 2010 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. This turnout may be the largest ever for a soccer match in Texas.
As part of their ongoing preparations, Brazil will face the United States in another friendly on June 12 in Orlando. Meanwhile, Mexico will continue their pre-tournament training in San Diego. At the Copa America, Brazil is placed in Group D alongside Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Colombia, while Mexico will compete in Group B against Ecuador, Venezuela, and Jamaica.
This victory not only underscores Brazil's strong preparations for the upcoming tournament but also highlights Endrick's promising future as he prepares to join Real Madrid, adding another layer of excitement to his burgeoning career.
