This game was both managers' last opportunity to have a look at their squads ahead of the end of the season, with some squad members potentially playing for their place at this summer's FIFA World Cup.
Dominik Livakovic was in particularly good form in the first half, parrying Danilo’s effort before denying Joao Pedro what would have been his first Brazil goal from close range. The goalkeeper also tipped away Matheus Cunha’s curler from the edge of the box, but despite his heroics, he could not prevent Croatia from going behind before HT.
Vinicius Junior led Brazil’s charge on the break before squaring for Danilo to strike first-time into the roof of the net. That was shortly before Luka Vuskovic headed straight at Bento from Luka Modric’s free-kick, which was Croatia’s best chance heading into the second half.
Zlatko Dalic’s men continued to threaten, and Bento was forced into another save from Andrej Kramaric’s strike from distance following the restart.
As expected, Brazil made wholesale changes in the second period, with goalscorer Danilo taken off among some of the big-name stars. Subsequently, Croatia dominated possession and had the majority of the chances, with Nikola Moro the latest to try his luck from distance as he struck just wide.
And, their pressure eventually paid off as they equalised through Lovro Majer, who squeezed Toni Fruk’s defence-splitting cross past the onrushing Bento.
However, Brazil were presented with a golden opportunity to restore their advantage almost immediately as Endrick was fouled in the area, resulting in a penalty for the Selecao and, on just his second appearance for his country, Igor Thiago stepped up and sent Livaković the wrong way.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men then wrapped up victory via Gabriel Martinelli, who lashed Endrick’s pass into the bottom corner. It is just Brazil’s second win in five matches (D1, L2), but gives them the best possible preparation for this summer's finals.
Meanwhile, although Dalic will be disappointed with the end result, his team performed well and their display here, as well as their recent form, shows they will be a force to be reckoned in North America in June and July.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Endrick (Brazil)