Brazil Come From Behind to Beat Australia 4-2

BRISBANE: (Sports Desk) – Brazil came from behind to beat Australia 4-2 in an entertaining international friendly in front of more than 52,000 fans in Brisbane on Tuesday.

The five-time world champions scored twice in the final stages of the second half to overcome a spirited Australia side, which has defeated Brazil only once in their history.

Brazil had needed a stoppage-time goal to secure a draw in their first match of the double-header in Townsville on Friday. They produced a stronger display in Brisbane to claim victory in the second encounter.

“It was a difficult game, Australia is a very good team,” Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said. “It was a good quality game, they played with intensity and they have good quality and are very strong physically.”

Brazil took the lead in the third minute when full-back Vanderson found space on the edge of the box and fired a powerful volley beyond goalkeeper Patrick Beach.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage moments later after winning possession from the kick-off and breaking forward, but Beach made two excellent saves in quick succession.

Australia settled into the game and began applying pressure, eventually drawing level in the 28th minute. A Connor Metcalfe corner was deflected by a Brazilian defender before Alessandro Circati sent the ball into his own net.

Five minutes later, Metcalfe put the Socceroos ahead with a powerful strike from outside the box that flew into the top-right corner.

Brazil responded before half-time, with captain Raphinha converting a penalty after Australia skipper Harry Souttar was penalised for a reckless challenge on Danilo.

Tensions rose in the second half despite the match being a friendly, with a challenge by Endrick on Souttar sparking a confrontation between players from both sides.

Brazil regained control and restored their lead with around 20 minutes remaining. Endrick cut the ball back into the box for Bruno Guimaraes, who finished confidently with his left foot.

The visitors then sealed the win after Vinicius Junior was brought down inside the box by Nestory Irankunda. The Real Madrid forward stepped up and converted the resulting penalty.

Australia midfielder Metcalfe said the two matches against Brazil had demonstrated that the Socceroos could compete against top opposition ahead of next year’s Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

“We’ve had these two brilliant games against Brazil, a top side,” Metcalfe said. “We’ve proved we can play against these teams and I think we’ve got a pretty good shot.”