Brazil returned to winning ways by defeating Australia 2-4 in Brisbane, in what was the second of two friendly matches between the two nations following their 1-1 draw last Friday. Brazil took an early lead as Vanderson’s powerful strike from inside the box in the third minute sailed past Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach and into the top corner. It is the first goal ever for Monaco’s 25-year-old right-back with the Seleção.
Despite Brazil’s strong start, Australia managed to take the lead, scoring
twice in a five-minute span. In the 28th minute, Benfica’s 22-year-old centre-back Alessandro Circati found himself alone in the far post following a corner to flick the ball into the back of the net. The play was originally called offside on the pitch, but following VAR intervention was correctly counted. That was followed in the 33rd minute by midfielder Connor Metcalfe’s spectacular left-footed strike from outside box which flew past Brazilian goalkeeper Otávio.
Brazil managed to tie the match right before halftime as Danilo Santos was judged to have been fouled inside the box in the 45 minute with Raphinha converting the ensuing kick from 11 meters.
Endrick, who started Friday’s match at centre-forward, would come on as play resumed in the second half to replace Raphinha. There were conflicting reports during the match as to whether the Barcelona forward left the pitch due to an injury concern. Endrick assisted in the goal that would give Brazil the lead. Vinicius carried the ball into the penalty area in the 69th minute before sending a quick pass to Endrick near the goal-line, the Madrid forward sending a low cross into the goalkeeper’s box that Bruno Guimarães pounced on with his left foot for Brazil’s 3rd goal:
In addition to participating in the build-up to Guimarães goal, Vinicius provoked a penalty in the 79th minute, nutmegging the first defender before Sporting’s Nestory Irankunda, who scored Australia’s lone goal on Friday, fouled the Madrid winger inside the box. Vinicius took the ensuing penalty, stutter-stepping as he approached the ball before calmly sending the ball to the right of Beach to score Brazil’s fourth goal on the night:
Vinicius had seven touches inside Austrialia’s penalty box and two key passes, including a low cross into the box in the 76th minute that Chelsea’s Estevao sailed over the crossbar, leading Brazil in both categories.
Brazil next face India on Saturday at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Saturday’s fixture marks Brazil’s first-ever senior men’s match on Indian soil.
