Brazil survived a major scare in Brisbane on Tuesday, coming from behind to defeat Australia 4-2 in an international friendly at Suncorp Stadium. The comeback was fueled by goals from Vanderson, Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães, and Vinicius Jr, averting what could have been an embarrassment for the greatest national team in history as they prepare to travel to Kolkata to face India at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad arrived in Queensland following a 1-1 draw against the same opponent four days earlier in Townsville, where Rayan had rescued a draw in stoppage time. Looking to shake up his lineup, the manager made as many as seven changes from the previous fixture. Only Bruno Guimarães and Danilo Santos retained their places in midfield, alongside Vinicius Jr on the left wing. Meanwhile, Raphinha repeated in the starting eleven, captaining the side while operating in a central number nine role, mirroring his tactical deployment under Flick at Barcelona.
Vanderson’s Early Strike and Australia’s Swift Response
The match began with a burst of attacking energy from the visitors. Just three minutes into the contest, Brazilian right-back Vanderson opened the scoring with a strike from the edge of the box after his first touch popped up and he unleashed a shot straight into the top corner. Soon after play resumed, Patrick Beach had to make a double save from Raphinha as Brazil moved forward quickly and drew pressure effectively, though Vinicius initially seemed a notch below while bearing down on the Troyes goalkeeper.
Defensive lapses proved costly for Brazil as Australia responded with two goals in five minutes. In the 28th minute, Alessandro Circati capitalized on a mistaken move out by Otávio to level the match. Shortly after in the 32nd minute, Connor Metcalfe turned the score around by receiving the ball at the top of the box, noting that no one stepped out to block his shot and Vinicius was late in coming to help, before firing a powerful effort inside the near post.
Tactical Shifts and the First-Half Equalizer
Trailing against the Socceroos, the intensity disappeared from Brazil as Australia began to win every duel and at times took control of the ball. However, a turning point arrived before the interval after Australia was penalised for Harry Souttar’s foul on Danilo Santos following Souttar’s great block on a shot by Vinicius. Raphinha stepped up to convert the penalty kick, restoring parity right before halftime.
That penalty marked Raphinha’s first goal since the arrival of Ancelotti. Despite the crucial equalizer, the captain’s evening ended early as the manager substituted him at halftime due to muscle discomfort.
Endrick and Vinicius Secure the Comeback Victory
Replacing Raphinha at the break, Endrick came on to shake up the match. After being involved in a small scuffle with Souttar himself, the forward laid the ball off near the center circle in the 69th minute, burst into the box, received a pass back from Vinicius, and pulled it back for Bruno Guimarães to tap in from close range to put Brazil in front again.
Endrick himself had up to two more chances to put the result beyond doubt. Vinicius Jr ultimately sealed the win in the 80th minute with a move reminiscent of the old days, nutmegging Jason Geria—who ended up conceding a penalty—and converting the spot kick himself with Raphinha off the pitch to put the game to bed.
Travel Plans and Upcoming Fixtures
With the Brisbane friendly concluded, the Brazilian squad turns its attention to the next leg of its international schedule. The team is scheduled to travel to Kolkata to face India at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.