Brazil strengthened their preparations for the FIFA World Cup with an impressive 6-2 victory over Panama in front of a packed crowd at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

The hosts made a dream start, taking the lead inside the opening minute. A misplaced pass in midfield from Yoel Bárcenas was seized upon by Vinicius Junior, who drove forward before firing a powerful long-range strike beyond Orlando Mosquera.

The Real Madrid winger remained a constant threat and nearly doubled Brazil’s advantage moments later, but Mosquera produced a fine save to deny him after a dazzling run into the box.

Despite Brazil’s early dominance, Panama responded well and found an unexpected equaliser just before the 15-minute mark. Michael Murillo’s free-kick took a significant deflection off the defensive wall, wrong-footing Alisson and finding the back of the net. The goal was ultimately recorded as an own goal by Matheus Cunha.

Panama continued to test the Brazilian defence, with Fidel Escobar forcing Alisson into action from distance and Ismael Díaz missing two promising chances that could have put the visitors ahead.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side regained control shortly before half-time. Vinicius was again heavily involved, and another effort from the Brazilian forward found its way past Mosquera, restoring the Selecao’s advantage heading into the interval.

Brazil’s captain then ensured the hosts went into the interval ahead, with VAR confirming he had timed his run perfectly before directing a header into the net to restore his side’s advantage before half-time.

Ancelotti opted for a complete reshuffle after the break, making 10 changes to his lineup. After Endrick came close to extending the lead, Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera gifted Brazil another opportunity with a misplaced clearance that fell straight to Rayan.

The Bournemouth forward still had plenty to do, but he showed excellent composure to curl a superb finish into the empty net, scoring his first senior international goal in only his second appearance for Brazil.

Far from disrupting Brazil’s rhythm, the wholesale substitutions injected even more energy into the team. Just after the hour mark, Douglas Santos surged forward and squared the ball to Lucas Paquetá on the edge of the area, with the midfielder’s strike taking a deflection on its way into the net.

Brazil continued to pile on the pressure, and Mosquera’s difficult evening worsened when he brought down Igor Thiago inside the penalty area. The Brentford striker stepped up himself and calmly converted the resulting spot-kick, placing his effort into the bottom corner to make it 5-1 for the Selecao.

Brazil were still not satisfied with their commanding lead, as the impressive second-half lineup continued to make a strong case for selection ahead of the World Cup. Their sixth goal arrived when Danilo Santos expertly controlled a delicate chipped pass from Lucas Paquetá, composed himself, and produced a superb finish to cap off another flowing move.

Panama appeared rattled by Brazil’s relentless attacking display, but Thomas Christiansen’s side refused to give up and were rewarded with what was arguably the standout goal of the contest.

After José Fajardo battled hard to win possession on the edge of the penalty area, he laid the ball into the path of Carlos Harvey, who unleashed a stunning strike from around 25 yards that flew beyond Ederson and into the net.

Brazil will now head to the United States for one final warm-up match against Egypt before opening their World Cup campaign against Morocco in less than two weeks. Meanwhile, Panama can take encouragement from their persistence despite the defeat as they turn their attention to their tournament opener against Ghana, scheduled for 17 days’ time.