Ancelotti says Raphinha injury not serious after Brazil beat Australia

Carlo Ancelotti has said Raphinha was not injured after the Barcelona forward was taken off at half-time in Brazil’s 4-2 victory over Australia, although the winger will be assessed for right-thigh discomfort before the next match against India.

Key takeaways

• Raphinha scored Brazil’s first penalty but was replaced by Endrick for the second half.
• Ancelotti said the forward reported that he was fine, but was withdrawn as a precaution.
• Vinicius Junior converted an 80th-minute penalty after receiving public backing from his coach.
• Brazil recovered from 2-1 down after Australia struck twice following Vanderson’s opener.
• Further medical checks will determine whether Raphinha remains with the Brazil squad or returns to Barcelona.

Raphinha set for thigh assessment

Raphinha was one of Brazil’s brightest performers before the break at Suncorp Stadium, bringing the score level at 2-2 with a penalty in first-half stoppage time. His absence after the interval immediately raised concern because of previous problems in the same right-thigh area.

Ancelotti moved to ease those fears after the final whistle, explaining that Raphinha had only felt minor discomfort. The Italy coach said he asked the attacker directly whether he was hurt and received reassurance, but chose not to risk him.

The medical staff will now deliver a full report before Brazil decide whether to retain Raphinha for the India fixture. A persistent issue could result in an early release for the 28-year-old to return to Barcelona for treatment and recovery.

Ancelotti gives Vinicius his backing after Brazil fight back

Ancelotti also defended Vinicius after another uneven display from the Real Madrid winger. Brazil’s coach insisted the forward remains central to his plans despite not reaching his highest level in recent appearances.

Vinicius was handed the opportunity to take Brazil’s later penalty and made no mistake in the 80th minute. Ancelotti said the attacker had already contributed enough to deserve the kick and stressed that he would show patience with a player he knows well from their time together at Real Madrid.

Brazil had started strongly through Vanderson, only for Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe to turn the contest around for Australia. Raphinha’s spot-kick restored parity before Bruno Guimaraes put Brazil back in front in the second half. Vinicius then sealed the 4-2 result.

The comeback gave Ancelotti another look at a squad still being reshaped ahead of tougher competitive tests. Brazil are blending established figures such as Vinicius, Raphinha and Guimaraes with younger options including Endrick and Estevao, but the defensive lapses against Australia will also demand attention before India.