Brazil Edge Croatia 3-1 in Thrilling Friendly

Late goals secure Brazil win over Croatia

Croatia's nine-game unbeaten run ends in loss to Brazil, who secure ideal World Cup prep. Brazil comes from behind to beat Croatia 3-1 in international friendly, with late goals from Danilo, Igor Thiago, and Gabriel Martinelli.

Brazil beats Croatia 3-1, with Igor Thiago scoring on second cap and Gabriel Martinelli sealing win...

Brazil ended Croatia’s nine-game unbeaten run (W8, D1) with a late 3-1 win at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando in a friendly.

This game was both managers' last opportunity to have a look at their squads ahead of the end of the season, with some squad members potentially playing for their place at this summer's FIFA World Cup.

Dominik Livakovic was on fire in the first half, making some incredible saves! He parried Danilo's effort and denied Joao Pedro a goal from close range, which would've been his first for Brazil. The goalkeeper also tipped away Matheus Cunha's curler from the edge of the box, but despite his heroics, Croatia went behind before halftime.

Incius Junior spearheaded Brazil's attack, setting up Danilo for a first-time strike into the roof of the net. Croatia's best chance before halftime came from Luka Modric's free-kick, but Luka Vuskovic headed it straight at Bento. After the break, Croatia kept pushing, with Bento making another save from Andrej Kramaric's long-range shot.

As expected, Brazil made wholesale changes in the second period, with goalscorer Danilo taken off among some of the big-name stars.

Subsequently, Croatia dominated possession and had the majority of the chances, with Nikola Moro the latest to try his luck from distance as he struck just wide. And, their pressure eventually paid off as they equalised through Lovro Majer, who squeezed Toni Fruk’s defence-splitting cross past the onrushing Bento.

FIM DE JOGO EM ORLANDO!

🇧🇷3-1 🇭🇷

DANILO
IGOR THIAGO ⚽️
GABRIEL MARTINELLI ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/NtNcNRs4r1

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) April 1, 2026

Brazil got a chance to take the lead again when Endrick was fouled in the penalty area, earning a penalty kick. Igor Thiago, making just his second appearance for Brazil, confidently took the penalty and sent Livakovic the wrong way, scoring for Brazil.

Carlo Ancelotti's team sealed the win thanks to Gabriel Martinelli, who scored a stunning goal by lashing Endrick's pass into the bottom corner. This win marks Brazil's second victory in five matches (D1, L2), providing them with ideal preparation for this summer's finals.

Meanwhile, although Dalic will be disappointed with the end result, his team performed well and their display here, as well as their recent form, shows they will be a force to be reckoned in North America in June and July.