Brazil draw with Panama without injured Neymar at stands

Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw against Panama in an International friendly played at Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal, on Saturday.

AC Milan's Lucas Paqueta claimed his first International goal for the five-time World Cup winners before captain Adolfo Machado responded for the side in 76th place in the world rankings.

Injured Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar watched the game from the stands as he recovers from a fractured right foot.

"The performance wasn't brilliant, but it wasn't below par either," Coach Tite said. "When we go to the Copa America, we will make more accurate choices to be more efficient."

Neymar (2nd from right) watches from the stands the friendly match between Brazil and Panama at Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal, March 23, 2019. /VCG Photo

Brazil opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark. Midfielder Paqueta was on the end of a deep Casemiro cross to volley home at the back post.

Panama's Adolfo Machado brought the teams to level four minutes later with a header.

Erick Davis' central free-kick found the center-back near the penalty spot who lobbed his long-distance header over Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson who appealed for offside.

Everton attacker Richarlison came close to bagging Brazil's second as his effort smashed the crossbar five minutes after the break.

Real Madrid's Casemiro had two chances to win the game for Coach Tite's outfit with a header and a powerful shot with a quarter remaining.

Both teams made a wave of substitutions in the closing moments and the Selecao's Eder Militao went close with an injury-time header.

Next for Brazil is Tuesday's friendly against the Czech Republic as they prepare to host this year's Copa America which starts on June 14.