Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Carlo Ancelotti said Brazil’s young players were “seizing the moment” following Tuesday’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia, though the game was marred by an injury to Raphinha.
The Selecao edged a six-goal thriller against the Socceroos at Suncorp Stadium, just four days on from a 1-1 draw between the sides in Townsville.
Vanderson’s glorious third-minute volley put Brazil – who made seven changes to their starting line-up – in front, only for Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe to strike for Australia in a five-minute spell and flip the match on its head.
Raphinha equalised from the penalty spot late in the first half before exiting the game at the interval, with what the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) described as “discomfort in his right thigh”.
But the Selecao were superior after the restart as Bruno Guimaraes finished off a polished move and Vinicius Junior won and converted another penalty to secure the victory.
Ancelotti did not address Raphinha’s withdrawal – which will be a major concern for Barcelona ahead of meetings with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid later this month – in his post-match comments, instead focusing on the performances of his young players.
Twenty-year-old Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otavio won his first cap between the sticks, with Gabriel Bontempo also making his debut while Jair Cunha and Mauro Junior started for the first time at senior international level.
“It was a good game – we had difficulties, but we also showed good quality in our play,” Ancelotti said. “We started well, then we lowered the pace of the game a little.
“But in the second half, I think the team reacted well, scoring a fantastic goal – the third – with a fantastic combination. We are happy.
“The best way is for the Selecao to perform well, to try to play a beautiful game and continue with this clear idea, with the progression of our youngsters.
“They are seizing this moment. I’m very clear with them: it’s not a test. They’re not here for me to see what they are like or what they can’t do.
“They are very good and have to take advantage of this opportunity. We will monitor their progression.
“I repeat – I am very confident in these young players, and others will be involved in the next squad.”
11- O gol da virada do Brasil contra a Austrália teve 11 passes em sequência antes da finalização. Bruno Guimarães iniciou a jogada e finalizou para marcar.
— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) September 29, 2026
Sao Paulo midfielder Bontempo assisted Vanderson’s opening goal and created the joint-most chances of any player, with two (level with Vinicius).
PSV full-back Mauro, meanwhile, led all Brazil players for duels contested (14), duels won (nine), tackles contested (five, two of which were successful) and aerial duels (seven).
Brazil face India in another friendly on Saturday, before taking on Japan and Singapore during the November international break.
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