Despite limited playing time with Real Madrid this season, Endrick was named by Carlo Ancelotti as the starting centre-forward for Brazil’s friendly match against Australia at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday — Brazil’s first match since being eliminated at the World Cup by Norway. Friday’s match is the first of two where the nations will face each other over the course of five days.
Joining Endrick up front was Vinicius on the left wing, Raphinha in a 10 role, and Estevao on the right wing.
Endrick managed just 10 touches and four passes (completing three), and won only one of four duels before being pulled in the 65th minute. Vinicius was more active in the match, completing 22 of 26 passes including distributing three key passes — the most on Brazil when he exited the pitch. The Madrid winger had two of Brazil’s five shots on target in the match, both saved by Australia keeper Patrick Beach. Vinicius also contributed six ball recoveries, most on Brazil for outfield players despite the limited minutes.
It was three minutes after the Madrid players left the pitch that Australia opened the scoring, with 20 year-old Nestory Irankunda’s sensational free kick in the 68th minute freezing Corinthians keeper Hugo Souza who watched the ball fly past his right and into the back of the net. And the Socceroos were on the verge of victory before Rayan headed in a Raphinha corner kick in the 95th minute.
Australia’s only victory against Brazil remains their 1-0 win in the third place match at the 2001 Confederations Cup in South Korea. The nations face each other again on Tuesday at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Queensland.
