Brazil held 1-1 draw by Panama

PORTO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- AC Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta scored his first international goal as a lackluster BRAZIL drew 1-1 with Panama in their international friendly here on Saturday.

Paqueta put the five-time world champions ahead in the 31st minute by meeting Casemiro's diagonal cross with a volley that goalkeeper Luis Mejias failed to grasp.

However, Panama equalized shortly after when Adolfo Machada sent a looping header past goalkeeper Ederson.

BRAZIL dominated possession but Richarlison and Casemiro were both denied by the woodwork in the second half as Panama ended a run of four consecutive defeats against the South American team.

The Selecao were without Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar as he continues his recovery from a fractured metatarsal injury. Coach Tite handed a debut to left-back Alex Telles while his Porto teammate Eder Militao made his second appearance.

On Tuesday, BRAZIL will face the Czech Republic in Prague.