In Queensland, Brazil were rescued at the last by the man arriving from the Premier League rather than by the celebrated attacking quartet Carlo Ancelotti had assembled. Rayan’s stoppage-time header earned the Seleção a 1-1 draw with Australia, converting a Raphinha corner after a performance in which the hosts’ opponents repeatedly looked the more convincing side.
Raphinha delivers when Brazil need him
Raphinha came into the international window in extraordinary Barcelona form, with 14 goals in eight appearances: 12 across the first eight Liga rounds and two more against Feyenoord on Champions League matchday one. Brazil, however, found little of that attacking fluency for most of the evening.
- Ancelotti began with Estêvão on the right, Raphinha to his left and Vinícius Júnior on the opposite flank, supporting Endrick through the middle.
- Australia held their own against a side expected to possess far greater individual quality, putting Brazil under pressure for long periods and leaving the visitors in danger of an embarrassing defeat.
- Vinícius and Endrick, both of Real Madrid, were withdrawn in the 65th minute, with Samu Lino and Pedro sent on.
- Estêvão left the field in the 76th minute, replaced by Bournemouth winger Rayan, leaving Raphinha as Brazil’s only starting forward to complete the match.
- With the final action of the game, Raphinha swung in a corner and Rayan headed beyond the Australian goalkeeper to secure the draw.
Another Australian meeting before India trip
Brazil will have a swift opportunity to offer a stronger response before club football resumes. Ancelotti’s side face Australia again in Brisbane on 29 September at 12:00, before travelling on to Kolkata to play India on Saturday 3 October at 16:00.
