Brazil vs Tunisia Friendly 2025: 1-1 Draw – Estevao Shines but Paqueta Misses Penalty
By kepler Team | Updated: November 19, 2025, 08:33 AM IST
A Stutter in Selecao’s Step: Brazil Held by Tunisia
The five-time World Cup winners Brazil were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Tunisia in a friendly at Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy on November 19, 2025. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, building momentum for the 2026 tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada, couldn’t break down Tunisia’s deep block despite a strong lineup. In-form 18-year-old Estevao Willian netted from the spot, but Lucas Paqueta’s late miss cost them victory. This result, following a 3-2 loss to Japan last month, leaves Brazil with questions as they sit fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying. Let’s recap the key moments, lineups, and what it means for the Selecao.
Tunisia, under Jalel Kadri, defended resolutely and snatched a shock lead through Hazem Mastouri’s cool finish. Brazil, with four forwards including Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, dominated but lacked cutting edge. Ancelotti post-match: “Tunisia’s low block made it tough—we’re on track, but need sharpness.” The 1-1 leaves Brazil unbeaten in 4 but winless in 2 friendlies.
Match at a Glance
- Final Score: Brazil 1-1 Tunisia
- Venue: Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille
- Date: November 19, 2025
- Goal Scorers: Estevao (pen 42′) for Brazil; Mastouri (24′) for Tunisia
- Attendance: 38,000 (mostly Tunisian fans)
Lineups: Brazil’s Attack vs Tunisia’s Wall
Brazil XI: Bento; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Arana; Guimaraes, Paqueta; Estevao, Cunha, Rodrygo; Vinicius Jr.
Tunisia XI: Ben Saida; Kechrida, Meriah, Talbi, Maaloul; Skhiri, Laidouni; Abdi, Ben Romdhane, Sliti; Mastouri.
Brazil’s front four (Estevao, Cunha, Rodrygo, Vinicius) promised flair, but Tunisia’s Kalidou Koulibaly-inspired defense (Meriah, Talbi) frustrated them. Paqueta’s miss (78′) was pivotal; Estevao’s composure (42′) the highlight.
| Key Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Estevao Willian | Brazil | 1 goal (pen), 2/2 dribbles |
| Hazem Mastouri | Tunisia | 1 goal, 3 key passes |
| Vinicius Jr | Brazil | 0 goals, 4 shots, 85% pass accuracy |
Key Moments: From Shock Lead to Missed Chance
- 24′ Tunisia 1-0: Abdi’s pinpoint pass finds Mastouri, who slots past Bento. Tunisia’s fans erupt!
- 42′ Brazil 1-1 (Pen): VAR spots handball; Estevao coolly converts—his 5th international goal.
- HT: 1-1. Brazil 62% possession, but Tunisia’s block holds firm.
- 78′ Missed Pen: Paqueta skies it over—Brazil’s win slips away.
- 89′ No Pen: Estevao goes down, but VAR denies Brazil a third spot-kick.
Ancelotti’s Brazil: World Cup Worries Grow
Brazil, fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying, needed this friendly to build rhythm. Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 showed promise—Estevao’s emergence (Chelsea-bound) is bright—but Paqueta’s miss and lack of penetration raise flags. “Tunisia defended deep; we lacked openings,” Ancelotti said. Upcoming: Vs Uruguay (Nov 25). With 2026 in sight, Selecao must sharpen up.
Tunisia’s Resilience: Eagles of Carthage Soar
Tunisia, 2022 WC group toppers, frustrated with a low block. Mastouri’s finish (Dynamo Makhachkala) and Meriah’s defending shone. Kadri: “We matched Brazil—proud night.” AFCON prep looks solid; next: Vs Mali (Nov 25).
How to Watch Highlights
Stream: ESPN+ (US), Sony LIV (India). Time: Replays post-match.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Brazil
1-1 leaves Brazil with questions—can they find form for 2026? Tunisia celebrates a giant-killing draw. Your take? Comment below!