Raphinha assists, but Brazil held by Australia

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil failed to make the most of Raphinha’s exceptional form, with the forward having scored 14 goals in eight matches for FC Barcelona. That tally includes 12 goals across eight Liga matchdays and two more against Feyenoord on the opening Champions League matchday. Against Australia, however, the Seleção avoided defeat thanks to an assist from Barcelona’s leading scorer for Rayan in a 1-1 draw.

Starting in the attacking trio alongside Estevao and Vinicius, behind Endrick, Raphinha was the only Brazilian forward to complete the full 90 minutes in Queensland. Bournemouth winger Rayan, who replaced Estevao in the 76th minute, headed in a corner delivered by Raphinha with the final action of the match. The goal spared Brazil an embarrassing result against an opponent considered inferior on paper but who had the upper hand for long spells.

Vinicius and Endrick were replaced in the 65th minute by Samu Lino and Pedro, before Estevao was substituted, leaving Raphinha as the only forward still on the pitch at the final whistle.

Before club football returns, the Canarinha will face Australia again in Brisbane on 29/09 at 12:00, then travel to India to play in Calcutta on Saturday 3 October at 16:00.