Football
2018 International Friendly, International Friendly
KSA 
0
FT
 BRA
2
Reuters 5y

Gabriel Jesus and Alex Sandro give Brazil win over Saudi Arabia

Goals near the end of each half from Gabriel Jesus and Alex Sandro gave Brazil a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Friday in what was a subdued performance by the five-time world champions.

Brazil had scored 16 goals in their four previous wins against the Saudis but the home side matched the visitors, particularly in midfield, for most of the game.

But Brazil had the better of the first half and Jesus broke the deadlock two minutes from half-time when he ran on to an inch-perfect Neymar pass and slotted home from an angle.

Neymar was again Brazil's best player but his teammates let him down with their finishing as Saudi Arabia came into the match more in the second period.

The hosts could not score, however, and Sandro gave the scoreline a more realistic look when he headed home Neymar's corner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Brazil also had two efforts disallowed for offside and Saudi keeper Mohammed Al-Owais was sent off five minutes from time after VAR confirmed he had handled the ball outside the box.

"We're aware we need to get better, that we can do better," Sandro said. "Obviously the climate was influential, we have new players who need to fit in, but we deserve congratulations."

Brazil's next game is against Argentina in Jeddah on Tuesday.

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