Brazil Beat Australia 4-2 as Raphinha Ruled Out of India Friendly

Brazil came from behind to beat Australia 4-2 in Brisbane on Tuesday, securing their first victory of the new 2030 World Cup cycle. However, the win came with an injury concern as captain Raphinha was forced off at half-time and has since been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendly against India.

Vanderson put Brazil ahead in the third minute at Suncorp Stadium after a quick attacking move involving Rayan and Gabriel Bontempo. Australia responded strongly, with Alessandro Circati equalising in the 28th minute before Connor Metcalfe put the hosts ahead with a long-range strike five minutes later.

Brazil levelled just before the break. Danilo was brought down inside the box and, following a VAR review, Brazil were awarded a penalty. Raphinha converted in the 45th minute to make it 2-2. He did not return for the second half after reporting muscular discomfort, with Endrick replacing him.

Brazil took control after the interval. Vinicius Junior helped create the move for the third goal before Endrick’s low cross found Bruno Guimarães, who finished in the 69th minute. Vinicius then added the fourth from the penalty spot in the 80th minute after being brought down inside the area.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had made seven changes to the side that drew the first Australia friendly 1-1, using the matches to assess different players and combinations. He also backed Vinicius, who had a relatively quiet first half but became increasingly influential after the break.

The biggest concern after the match was Raphinha's fitness. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Wednesday that scans showed a small muscular edema in the posterior region of his right thigh. As a precaution, he has been released from the squad, and Brazil will not call up a replacement.

Brazil will travel to Kolkata on October 1 for their historic friendly against India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 3. Raphinha will now miss that match as he returns to Barcelona for treatment.