Brazil Rally Past Australia 4-2 as Vinicius Junior Seals Friendly Win
Brazil beat Australia 4-2 at Suncorp Stadium after Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior settled a wild contest in the final 20 minutes. Guimaraes struck in the 70th minute before Vinicius converted from the spot on 80 minutes, restoring control after the Socceroos had overturned an early deficit and briefly led before half-time.
Vanderson put Brazil ahead after only three minutes, finishing a move created by Gabriel Bontempo on the 21-year-old Santos midfielder’s first senior appearance. But Australia exposed uncertainty in the Brazilian defensive line as Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe scored in quick succession to turn the match around.
Raphinha ensured Brazil did not go into the break behind, holding his nerve to score a penalty in added time and make it 2-2. He was replaced at the interval by Endrick, whose movement immediately gave Brazil a more dangerous presence through the middle.
Brazil find the decisive response
Brazil increasingly pinned Australia back after the restart. Endrick supplied the pass for Guimaraes to score the crucial third goal, with the Newcastle midfielder also helping his side regain control in central areas. Vinicius repeatedly stretched the home defence with his pace and earned his reward from the penalty spot to complete the scoring.
Carlo Ancelotti’s changes helped Brazil take command. Raphinha had been used in a more central role before his half-time withdrawal, while the 61st-minute introductions of Estevao, Matheuzinho and Andrey Santos added energy and greater midfield security. Estevao produced some promising moments but could not find the final ball, while Matheuzinho helped close down Australia’s threat on the right.
Brazil’s attacking output will please Ancelotti, but the two goals conceded highlighted work still needed on defensive organisation. Gabriel was booked in the 40th minute and endured a difficult spell, while Jair Cunha and Mauro Junior were also caught up in the defensive breakdown that allowed Australia to take the lead. Goalkeeper Otavio, making his debut, had little chance with either finish but could not prevent another match without a clean sheet.
Danilo Santos offered composure in midfield, while Rayan was tidy without creating many clear openings before leaving on 61 minutes. Vanderson’s influential display ended at the same point, having made the early breakthrough and provided an attacking outlet from full-back.
Brazil also handed a senior debut to Matheus Martinelli late on. Samuel Lino entered in the 83rd minute, and Breno Bidon, Arthur Dias and Vitor Reis arrived in the 88th as Ancelotti saw out a victory built on his side’s second-half superiority.
Next, Brazil will look to retain that attacking sharpness while addressing the lapses that allowed Australia to seize a first-half advantage as preparation continues for competitive fixtures.
