Brazil fight back to beat France

27 March 2015 07:47

Brazil came from behind to win 3-1 against France in a lively international friendly in Paris.

Defender Raphael Varane headed France in front but Brazil levelled before half-time through Chelsea midfielder Oscar's well-worked goal.

And they took charge in the second half as Neymar and Luiz Gustavo found the target.

France had the first chance when Karim Benzema's opportunist header was well saved by goalkeeper Jefferson.

But they took the lead in the 20th minute when Varane connected with Mathieu Valbuena's corner and headed superbly into the far corner of the net.

France keeper Steve Mandanda denied Neymar and Willian but could do nothing when playmaker Oscar exchanged passes with Roberto Firmino and poked a low shot home to make it 1-1 at half-time.

Neymar had his revenge on Mandanda just before the hour mark to fire Brazil ahead, the Barcelona star thumping home a rising left-footed shot from Willian's pass after the Chelsea winger dispossessed Patrice Evra.

It was Neymar's 43rd goal with the Verde-Amarelha and lifted him to fifth in their all-time top scorers list.

Mandanda turned Oscar's strike around the post for a corner but the reprieve was temporary as Oscar swung the ball in and Luiz Gustavo headed home.

Mandanda prevented Willian adding further to the score but there was no way back for France.

"It was a hard clash," said Brazil's French-based defender, Paris St Germain's David Luiz.

"They are a team composed of a generation of very gifted players. They had good spirit as they were playing at their home ground, with the support of their fans."

It was Brazil's seventh win in as many games since their home World Cup campaign ended in shambolic fashion and they will bid for an eighth against Chile in London on Sunday, when France take on Denmark.

Source: PA