Raphinha injury mars Brazil’s dramatic 4-2 comeback against Australia

Brazil overturned the lead twice to beat Australia 4-2 in a dramatic Brisbane contest, but their victory was overshadowed by a concerning muscular injury to Raphinha.

The FC Barcelona forward, who had been Brazil’s outstanding player in the first half, felt sudden discomfort and was forced to leave the pitch quickly. His problem caused concern among the Brazil coaching staff and Barcelona supporters, with the full extent of the injury not yet stated.

Brazil made the perfect start, taking the lead after only three minutes when full-back Vanderson found the top corner for his first goal for the Selecao.

Australia responded with two goals in four minutes to seize control. Alessandro Circati levelled in the 30th minute after a VAR review confirmed he was not offside, with his flick looping into the net.

Connor Metcalfe then completed Australia’s turnaround in the 34th minute, driving the ball into the net to put the hosts 2-1 ahead.

Brazil attempted to respond, with Gabriel involved in a strong challenge in the 40th minute, but they had to wait until first-half stoppage time to restore parity. Raphinha converted from the penalty spot in the 45+1st minute to make it 2-2.

His departure after the interval initially appeared to make Brazil’s task more difficult, but the introduction of Endrick changed the momentum of the match.

Endrick supplied the decisive pass for Bruno Guimaraes to put Brazil back in front in the 70th minute. The midfielder finished accurately to score his fourth international goal and give Brazil a 3-2 lead.

Vinicius Junior then settled the contest from the penalty spot in the 80th minute. The Real Madrid forward picked out the bottom corner, leaving Patrick Beach with no chance, as Brazil secured a fourth goal and ended Australia’s hopes of recovering again.

The match was marked by the contrasting fortunes of Australia’s quick response and Brazil’s second-half recovery, with the Selecao eventually prevailing despite losing Raphinha during the game.