Tunisia Hold Brazil To Draw Despite Estevao’s Goal

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Tunisia held to a dismal 1-1 friendly draw by Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil on Tuesday in Lille as their slow build-up to the 2026 World Cup slowed.

Lucas Paqueta wasted a chance to win the game for the Selecao from the spot, but the 18-year-old in excellent form did so.

After only finishing fifth in South American qualifying, the five-time world champions are preparing for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada under some sort of a cloud.

Last month, they also lost to Japan by a score of 3-2.

Read more about Curacao and Suriname’s potential participation in the World Cup.

On November 18, 2025, Brazil’s players pose for a team photo in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France’s northern province of Villeneuve-d’Ascq, ahead of the international friendly football match between Brazil and Tunisia. (See Sameer Al-DOUMY/AFP photo)

In his starting lineup, Brazil coach Ancelotti named a strong starting lineup that included four forwards: Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Estevao.

However, Tunisia took a surprise lead in the opening period when Ali Abdi’s brilliant pass found Hazem Mastouri, who was unable to hold his composure as he slipped the ball past Brazil goalkeeper Bento.

On November 18, 2025, Tunisia’s forward #9 Hazem Mastouri (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal for the nation against Brazil in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France’s northern province of Villeneuve-d’Ascq. (See Sameer Al-DOUMY/AFP photo)

However, shortly before half-time, Brazil received a penalty from VAR for handball, much to the dismay of the thousands of Tunisian fans at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

On November 18, 2025, Brazil’s forward #20 Estevao (R) celebrates scoring the country’s first goal from the penalty spot at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France’s northern province of Villeneuve-d’Ascq. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)

Estevao added his fifth international goal on Saturday against Senegal by scoring against Senegal.

With 12 minutes left, substitute Paqueta replaced Estevao for the spot-kick and smashed his effort over the crossbar.

Brazil should have received a third penalty after Estevao fell in the 89th minute, but the referee continued to award it despite a VAR review.

In other international friendlies, Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick as Senegal defeated Kenya 8-0, while Ivory Coast, the country’s champion, recovered from a defeat to Saudi Arabia with a 2-0 victory over Oman.

Algeria defeated the Saudis 2-0 at home, and Riyad Mahrez added to the scoreline as Morocco, the country that finished 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, defeated Uganda 4-0.

Abdukodir Khusanov was sent off against Iran in a goalless draw, which Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debut next year.