Estêvão’s Penalty Saves Brazil as Paquetá Misses Late Spot-Kick in 1-1 Tunisia Draw

Ethan Fairweather

When Estêvão Willian buried a left-footed penalty into the top right corner in the 44th minute, it looked like Brazil had salvaged something from a disastrous first half. But with Lucas Paquetá missing a late spot-kick and Estêvão Willian rattling the post in stoppage time, the 1-1 draw against Tunisia felt less like salvation and more like a warning. The match, played under cold, driving rain at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France, on November 18, 2025, drew 47,500 spectators—and left Brazil’s coaching staff with more questions than answers just seven months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

First Half Collapse: Tunisia’s Clinical Edge

It wasn’t Brazil’s lack of possession that hurt them—it was their lack of composure. In the 23rd minute, Hazem Mastouri turned a simple counter into a goal, finishing a right-footed shot from the center of the box after a blistering break initiated by Ali Abdi. The assist came from a misplaced pass by Brazilian left-back Wesley, who was repeatedly shredded by Abdi’s pace and direct running. By halftime, Tunisia had only 42% of the ball but created five clear chances. Brazil, meanwhile, looked disjointed. The left flank, where Wesley and Vinícius Júnior were supposed to overlap, became a tunnel for Tunisian counters. As beIN SPORTS noted, "Midway through the first half, Brazil have fallen behind... Tunisia the most clinical ricochet here."

Penalty Salvation—and the VAR That Changed Everything

Just before halftime, Brazil got a lifeline. Éder Militão was brought down in the box by Tunisia’s Bronn, with the ball striking Bronn’s outstretched arm. The referee initially waved play on, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned. Estêvão Willian, the 24-year-old forward who’s been quietly rising through Brazil’s attacking ranks, stepped up and buried the penalty with ice in his veins. His shot curled past goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen—a moment of brilliance that temporarily silenced the doubts. But the goal didn’t fix the structure. It just papered over the cracks.

Second Half Dominance, No Finish

The second half was all Brazil. They pressed higher, passed quicker, and created at least eight clear chances. Rodrygo fired a curler from 25 yards that Dahmen tipped onto the crossbar. Vinícius Júnior danced past two defenders only to shoot straight at the keeper. And then, in the 90+5 minute, came the moment that had fans holding their breath: Estêvão Willian, fed by Fabinho, cut inside from the right and unleashed a right-footed blast—only to see it crash off the left post. The stadium groaned. It was inches from victory. But the real heartbreak was still to come.

The Penalty That Could Have Sealed It—And Didn’t

With three minutes left, Brazil was awarded another penalty after a handball by Tunisia’s Bronn in the box. The call was controversial—many analysts felt the contact was minimal—but VAR confirmed it. And who stepped up? Lucas Paquetá. The AC Milan midfielder, usually so composed, struck his penalty low and straight—right into the arms of Dahmen. The goalkeeper didn’t even have to dive. The crowd fell silent. Tunisia held on. Brazil left with a draw, not a win. And the implications? Worrying. Against a team ranked 37th in the world, Brazil couldn’t close out a match they dominated after halftime. The finishing was sloppy. The decision-making was hesitant. The defense, especially on the left, looked unprepared for high-intensity transitions.

Lineups and the Weight of Expectation

Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI included Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Casemiro, Guimarães, and Vinícius Júnior—a blend of experience and youth. Yet the chemistry felt off. The midfield trio lacked control. The full-backs were exposed. Even Bento, the 33-year-old goalkeeper, looked rattled by Tunisia’s early pressure. Tunisia’s lineup, led by captain Ali Abdi and goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen, played with discipline and purpose. They didn’t need to dominate. They just needed to be clinical—and they were.

What This Means for the World Cup

Seven months out from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil’s performance against Tunisia should be a red flag, not a footnote. This wasn’t a loss to Argentina or France. This was a draw against a team that hasn’t won a World Cup since 1978. And yet, Brazil couldn’t win. The defense is vulnerable to pace. The midfield lacks a true playmaker. The finishing is inconsistent. Estêvão Willian showed flashes of brilliance, but he’s not a guaranteed starter. Paquetá’s miss isn’t just about one kick—it’s about mental fragility under pressure. Ancelotti has time, but not much. The next friendly against Portugal in March will be a true test. Right now, Brazil looks like a team with talent, but no rhythm.