Vinicius scores and sets up as Brazil beat Australia 4-2

Brazil returned to winning ways with a 4-2 victory over Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the second of two friendly matches between the two nations following last Friday's 1-1 draw.

Vinicius Junior was central to the result, scoring from the penalty spot and providing the assist for Brazil's third goal, while Endrick, Raphinha, Vanderson and Bruno Guimarães all featured in the scoring.

Vanderson opens his Brazil account

The Seleção began brightly. Vanderson struck powerfully from inside the box in the third minute, sending the ball past Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach and into the top corner.

It was a first goal for Brazil for the 25-year-old Monaco right-back.

Australia hit back with two goals in five minutes

Australia's response was sharp. In the 28th minute, Benfica centre-back Alessandro Circati, 22, was left unmarked at the far post from a corner and flicked the ball into the net. The goal was originally chalked off for offside on the pitch but was awarded after VAR intervention.

Five minutes later, midfielder Connor Metcalfe doubled the advantage with a spectacular left-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Brazilian goalkeeper Otávio.

Brazil levelled before the interval, with Raphinha converting a penalty in the 45th minute after Danilo Santos was judged to have been fouled inside the area.

Endrick replaces Raphinha amid injury uncertainty

Endrick, who had started Friday's match at centre-forward, came on as play resumed after the break, replacing Raphinha. There were conflicting reports during the game as to whether the forward left the pitch because of an injury concern.

The substitution paid off. Vinicius carried the ball into the penalty area in the 69th minute and slid a quick pass to Endrick close to the goal-line, and the forward's low cross into the six-yard box was met by Bruno Guimarães, who scored with his left foot.

Vinicius wins and converts the penalty that settles it

Vinicius was involved again in the 79th minute, nutmegging the first defender before being fouled inside the box by Nestory Irankunda, the Sporting player who had scored Australia's only goal on Friday.

Vinicius took the kick himself, stutter-stepping on his approach before placing the ball to the right of Beach for Brazil's fourth of the night.

He finished with seven touches inside Australia's penalty area and two key passes, leading Brazil in both categories. One of those key passes was a low cross in the 76th minute that Chelsea's Estevao sent over the crossbar.

Brazil head to India next

Brazil travel to India next, facing the hosts at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday. The fixture will be Brazil's first senior men's match played on Indian soil.

SportsLigue