In their first match after being eliminated from the World Cup, the Brazilian National Team once again performed poorly and settled for a disappointing 1-1 draw with Australia in a friendly held this Friday. The key detail is that Ancelotti’s team was losing the match until the 49th minute of the second half, when Rayan saved the day and prevented defeat in Townsville.

Much like in the 2026 World Cup, the Seleção had a passive performance, looked disorganized, lacked intensity and creativity. A discouraging start to the new cycle aiming at the 2030 World Cup.

Disorganization, scares, and disallowed goal in the 1st half

Brazil started the match lined up in a 4-2-4 formation, with four players in the starting eleven who hadn’t played in the World Cup: goalkeeper Hugo Souza, right-back Matheuzinho, center-back Vitor Reis and forward Estêvão.

However, many of the problems seen during the World Cup resurfaced. The Seleção showed tactical disorganization, a midfield lacking creativity, little movement from the forwards and committed many passing errors.

Better organized, Australia took advantage of the gaps and threatened Brazil at times, creating two big chances and forcing Corinthians’ Hugo Souza to make three saves.

From the 30th minute onward, Brazil improved, with the attackers getting closer together. Raphinha also started getting more involved and played a different role from the one he’s currently filling at Barcelona, where he is more centrally positioned.

In the 45th minute, Estêvão found the net after a beautiful one-two with Endrick. However, the referee disallowed the goal due to a foul by Bruno Guimarães at the start of the move. Brazil went into halftime frustrated with the invalidated goal but held 56% possession and seven shots, three of them on target.

Poor pitch hampers Brazil

Ancelotti went into the second half with the same starting eleven. Just two minutes in, Estêvão cut in from the right wing, dribbled past a defender and shot wide. The 19-year-old’s shot might have been more dangerous, but Queensland Stadium’s pitch had numerous irregularities, including holes and uneven spots.

After a more lively and engaged start, Brazil returned to struggling with creativity and showed little defensive intensity, especially from the four forwards. Meanwhile, Australia stayed well organized at the back and found opportunities to break quickly on the counter.

From the 15th minute, Carlo Ancelotti began making changes to the team. The first three substitutions brought in players who had not featured at the World Cup: Douglas Luiz, Pedro, and Samuel Lino. Bruno Guimarães, Endrick, and Vini Jr left the pitch after below-average outings, particularly the two Real Madrid players.

Brilliant free kick or Hugo Souza’s blunder?

If things were already going badly for Brazil, matters got worse in the 68th minute. Irankunda took a stylish free kick, sending the ball over the wall and into the top corner. Hugo Souza couldn’t even get close to it, which sparked debate about a possible mistake from the Corinthians keeper on Australia’s goal.

Trailing on the scoreboard, the Seleção increased the pressure. Ancelotti made further changes and handed debuts to two more players: center-back Jair and left-back Mauro Júnior.

With a much-changed team, Brazil tried to find the equalizer but ran into Australia’s tall and strong defense. At times, the home team defended with a line of six players.

Rayan saves Brazil after 24 crosses

Lacking creativity, organization, and intensity, Ancelotti’s side struggled to get inside the box and started to focus on aerial balls.

After 47 long balls, 24 crosses, and eight corners throughout the match, the Seleção managed to find the equalizer precisely from such a play. Raphinha crossed to the area and Rayan scored with a header to save Brazil in added time.

The draw ended up being a fair reflection of Brazil’s performance throughout the match. Ancelotti’s team struggled to build moves, suffered with Australian counter-attacks, and ultimately needed a set piece to avoid defeat in their first fixture after the World Cup.

Brazil’s upcoming matches

The Seleção returns to the pitch next week, on the 29th, to face Australia once again. The second friendly will take place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Continuing the current FIFA window, Ancelotti and company will then travel to India. On October 3rd, Brazil will face the Indian national team at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. This will be the first ever meeting between the senior sides of the two countries.

Later this year, Brazil will return to action in November’s FIFA window with friendlies against Japan and Singapore.

And on Sofascore, you can follow the Brazilian National Team with real-time numbers, data, and statistics.