South American giants triumph in final pre-World Cup friendlies
Argentina and Brazil secured victories in their final pre-World Cup friendly matches played in the United States. The reigning world champions, Argentina, defeated Honduras 2-0 in College Station, Texas, while Brazil overcame Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland, Ohio. Both South American powerhouses achieved these warm-up wins without the support of their injured superstars, Lionel Messi and Neymar Júnior.
Argentina established dominance in the 37th minute when Lautaro Martínez successfully converted a penalty kick. Giuliano Simeone solidified the 2-0 victory in the 54th minute, capitalizing on a precise assist from Martínez.
In Ohio, Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring for Brazil in the 7th minute. Although Egypt's Mostafa Ziko managed an equalizer just four minutes later, rising talent Endrick secured the victory for the Seleção by netting the decisive goal in the 52nd minute.
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad will play one more friendly match against Iceland on Tuesday, June 9, before the main tournament runs from June 11 to July 19. At the World Cup, Argentina will compete in Group J against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Brazil is scheduled to make its tournament debut on June 14 against Morocco, while Egypt will face Belgium the following day.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
