09/29/26 08:28:00
Printable Page
09/29 08:27 CDT Vinicius Jnior sparks Brazil's 4-2 win over Australia after
sideline scuffle
Vinicius Jnior sparks Brazil's 4-2 win over Australia after sideline scuffle
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) --- Vincius Jnior played a role in the goal that put
Brazil ahead and then scored to seal a 4-2 win over Australia in an
international friendly Tuesday that gave Carlo Ancelotti's squad its first
victory since a disappointing World Cup exit.
The game was tied 2-2 midway through the second half when tension spilled over
the sideline at Suncorp Stadium in a tussle between Australia captain Harry
Souttar and Real Madrid forward Endrick that involved pushing and shoving in
front of Australia's bench.
Players from both teams joined the melee and Endrick ended up on the ground
with one of Australia's support staff standing, off balance, over him. Calm was
restored quickly but the episode seemed to spark Brazil into action.
Moments later, after an attacking movement starting near halfway, Vincius took
the ball wide on the left before passing neatly inside to Madrid teammate
Endrick, who centered for Bruno Guimaraes to finish off from close range.
His penalty in the 80th, after a stuttering approach to the ball, increased
Brazil's cushion to two goals.
The Brazilians started a three-game tour last week, needing a late equalizer
for a 1-1 draw with Australia in Townsville, northern Queensland state.
Ancelotti's squad will next travel to Kolkata for its first ever match against
India on Saturday.
"Today we played much, much better," Guimaraes said in a post-match TV
interview after Tuesday's win. "I think it was a nice game to watch, a nice
game to play. Very happy with the team performance, with the goal."
He said the difference in the two games against Australia was a better pitch
surface in Brisbane and a different approach.
"Today we tried a new strategy," he said. "The last game we played a lot of
long balls. Today, we kept the ball a lot more."
Brazil dominated early with Vanderson opening the scoring in the third minute
for his first international goal and then forcing Australia goalkeeper Patrick
Beach to make two quick saves.
The Socceroos rallied with goals in the 28th and 33rd minutes and were on the
brink of taking a lead into halftime until Danilo went down in the area under a
challenge from Souttar, earning a penalty for Brazil.
Raphina equalized from the spot to make it 2-2 at the break. He was replaced at
the start of the second half by Endrick.
Ancelotti has started his overhaul of Brazil's national team with the squad for
this tour, selecting only a few of the players he took to the World Cup three
months ago and was eliminated in the round of 16 to Norway. He has included
several talented young players who will be eligible for the 2028 Los Angeles
Olympics.
___
See AP's full soccer coverage here
|
