In Brisbane, Brazil had to find a second answer before leaving Australia with a 4-2 victory, as Carlo Ancelotti’s side recovered from a first-half reversal to win an open international marked by Vinícius Júnior’s late penalty.
The visitors struck after only three minutes, but Australia turned the match before the interval. Raphinha, captaining Brazil, restored parity from the spot in the 45th minute, yet did not return after half-time because of a thigh problem. Ancelotti did not address the winger’s condition in his post-match comments.
Brazil nevertheless regained control after the break. Bruno Guimarães made it 3-2 in the 69th minute, before Vinícius completed the comeback ten minutes later. The forward won the penalty after being fouled by Nestory Irankunda and converted it himself.
Ancelotti praises Australia’s pressure
Ancelotti described the Brisbane contest as “very entertaining” and open, stressing both Brazil’s response to adversity and the intensity shown by the Socceroos.
Australia had already drawn 1-1 with Brazil in Townsville the previous week and again competed closely with the five-time world champions. Their approach in Brisbane differed from the first friendly, with an aggressive high press that made Brazil’s attempts to build from the back difficult.
“They pressed us very well,” Ancelotti said. “Brazil may have more quality than them, but they are very well organised. They are a really good national team.”
The Italian coach felt Australia’s energy had caught his team by surprise, but was pleased that Brazil sustained their own level through the closing stages after falling behind before half-time.
Vinícius takes the final penalty
Raphinha is Brazil’s regular penalty taker, while Guimarães was the next designated option. But with Guimarães having already scored, Ancelotti allowed Vinícius to take the final spot-kick.
“I thought Vini deserved to score a penalty,” the former Real Madrid coach said. “He took it well and scored.”
The result gave Brazil a winning finish to their Australian visit, while Australia again showed that their disciplined pressing and organisation can test one of international football’s most talented squads.
