Philippe Coutinho and Arthur feature as Brazil held by Panama

Barcelona duo Philippe Coutinho and Arthur both featured for Brazil in their disappointing friendly draw against Panama on Saturday in Portugal.

Tite’s men were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw against a determined and disciplined Panama side, who will be delighted to avoid defeat against the Selecao.

Brazil went ahead just after the half-hour mark through Lucas Paquetá. The AC Milan man was found by Casemiro with a superb ball, and he finished at the far post.

However, Panama hit back just four minutes later. Adolfo Machado headed a free-kick into the box past Ederson in the Brazil goal.

Both sides hit the woodwork after half-time. Richarlison volleyed an effort onto the crossbar, while Harold Cummings headed onto the woodwork, although the flag had gone up.

Arthur was handed a breather on 72 minutes for Brazil, the midfielder was replaced by Felipe Anderson as Tite sought a winner.

Richarlison and Casemiro went close again in the closing stages, as Brazil pressed hard for a second goal but simply could not conjure up a winner.

In fact Panama almost pulled off a shock win with a shot in stoppage time that whistled past the post and flew into the side-netting.

It was a disappointing showing from Brazil, with Coutinho also struggling to impress once again. The Barcelona star played all 90 minutes but had a quiet game and continues to look pretty short of confidence.

Brazil play again on Tuesday, they take on Czech Republic at the Eden Arena in Prague.