Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike were on target as France boosted their World Cup credentials with a 2-1 victory over Brazil, despite playing with 10 men after Dayot Upamecano’s red card.
Didier Deschamps’ side, who will face Norway in their final Group I fixture in Foxborough on June 26, impressed in New England, securing a notable win even after being reduced to a man down for over 40 minutes.
Both teams started strongly, creating an open contest, but the first shot on target did not come until the 32nd minute.
Mbappe made it count, collecting a through-ball from Ousmane Dembele before delicately chipping the ball over Ederson from the right side of the box.
Although Mbappe missed two further chances before halftime, Brazil improved after the break, with substitute Luiz Henrique testing goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The game shifted in Brazil’s favour in the 55th minute when Upamecano was sent off for a last-man foul on Wesley. Initially shown a yellow card, the decision was upgraded to a red after a VAR review.
Despite the setback, France doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Michael Olise played a precise pass to Ekitike, who finished with a composed chip over Ederson.
Brazil pulled one back following a scramble in the box, with Bremer scoring his first international goal. Late chances fell to both Bremer and Vinicius Junior, but neither could convert.
In terms of performance, Mbappe’s goal took his international tally to 56, just one shy of Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 for France.
He led his team in shots, expected goals, and touches in the box, while also contributing creatively and in dribbling.
By contrast, Vinicius struggled to make an impact, failing to hit the target with two attempts, including a late missed opportunity.
Brazil dominated statistically, generating higher expected goals (2.24 to 1.29) and more shots (17 to 7), but managed only four efforts on target.
