In Australia, Brazil’s 4-2 friendly win offered a brighter ending to an uneasy international window, but the discussion after the final whistle travelled back to the 2026 World Cup and a penalty that Bruno Guimarães could not convert against Norway. Carlo Ancelotti explained that Vinicius Junior was deliberately handed Brazil’s second spot-kick on Tuesday, with the forward still looking for a goal in the match.
A six-goal evening in Australia
Brazil began sharply, with Vanderson scoring after just three minutes. Australia recovered their footing and overturned the early deficit before half-time, only for the visitors to take control again after the interval.
- Vanderson put Brazil ahead in the third minute.
- Circati levelled for Australia on 28 minutes.
- Metcalfe then struck from distance five minutes later to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
- At 44 minutes, Souttar fouled Danilo inside the area. The referee awarded a penalty after a VAR review, and Raphinha converted it.
- Bruno Guimarães restored Brazil’s lead in the 68th minute following a move involving Vinicius Junior and Endrick.
- Vinicius completed the scoring from the spot after Irankunda brought him down. He sent Beach the wrong way with a finish into the goalkeeper’s right-hand corner.
Raphinha, who scored Brazil’s first penalty, was replaced at half-time after feeling discomfort in his thigh.
Ancelotti explains Vinicius decision
The second penalty immediately revived debate around Brazil’s designated takers. Ancelotti said Raphinha is first choice from the spot, while Bruno Guimarães was next in line on this occasion. But with the midfielder already on the scoresheet, the coach decided that Vinicius should take it.
“Bruno had already scored,” Ancelotti said. “Raphinha takes penalties, and Bruno was due to take the second one, but he had his goal. I felt Vini deserved the chance to score from the spot. He took it well and scored.”
Vinicius said he understood the reasoning and described the goal as important after a run without scoring.
“Bruno is our penalty taker when Rapha is not on the pitch,” Vinicius said. “I thought he wanted to take it, but he knows I needed some confidence. I had gone a few matches without a goal, so it was important to score again.”
The World Cup shadow
The subject carries particular weight because of Brazil’s World Cup defeat to Norway. Bruno Guimarães took a first-half penalty in the match that ended 2-1 and sent Norway through to the round of 16, while Brazil’s route in the tournament came to an end.
Raphinha was unavailable for that game because of injury, although Vinicius started. Ancelotti’s decision in Australia therefore clarified the order he sees within his squad: Raphinha is the principal taker, and Bruno assumes responsibility when the winger is absent.
Tuesday’s late opportunity instead went to Vinicius, who converted at a moment when Brazil had already regained the lead and left Australia with a 4-2 victory.
