Gomes Questions Hugo Souza After Brazil’s Draw With Australia

Brazil’s search for a settled goalkeeper has come under sharper scrutiny after former Tottenham and PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Gomes criticised Hugo Souza’s display in the 1-1 friendly draw with Australia.

Souza remains without a Brazil win

The 27-year-old Corinthians goalkeeper was selected for the opening match of Brazil’s three-game friendly programme and conceded from Nestory Irankunda’s curling free-kick in the 68th minute. Rayan rescued the result with a header deep into stoppage time, but the draw extended Souza’s wait for a first victory with the senior national side.

• Souza made his Brazil debut in a defeat to Japan in 2025.
• His latest appearance ended in a 1-1 draw against Australia.
• Australia’s goal came from Irankunda, the highly rated young forward, in the 68th minute.
• Rayan’s late header prevented a second defeat for Souza in Brazil colours.

Gomes questions goalkeeper’s international level

Gomes believes Souza’s work when retreating towards goal for the free-kick highlighted concerns over his suitability for international football. The former Brazil goalkeeper said he did not view the Corinthians player as a long-term national-team option.

“I do not see Hugo Souza as a goalkeeper with the potential for Brazil,” Gomes said. “When you watch the way he moves back towards his goal, it looks, honestly, like something an amateur would do.”

He acknowledged Souza’s quality in conventional shot-stopping situations, but argued that hesitation in claiming crosses and uncertainty over starting position remain serious weaknesses.

• Gomes described Souza as a capable goalkeeper on his line.
• He said the player appeared unsure when deciding whether to come for the ball.
• He also identified problems in Brazil’s defending of set pieces and deliveries into the penalty area.

Otavio backed as Brazil consider further rotation

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has used Otavio, Pedro Morisco and Souza as he assesses a new group of goalkeepers. Gomes supported the need to refresh the position, but said the process must favour players with the necessary long-term profile.

The former Cruzeiro player placed Otavio, a prospect from his old club, at the front of the queue. “A rebuild is needed, but there must be patience with those who have the quality to represent Brazil,” Gomes said. “For me, Otavio should be the leading choice.”

Asia fixtures to test Ancelotti’s defence

Ancelotti will have further opportunities to examine his options when Brazil travel to face Japan and Singapore next month. The matches arrive after two uneven outings against Australia in which the Selecao conceded three times, raising concerns about the team’s defensive organisation.

Further changes in goal are expected as Ancelotti attempts to identify a reliable deputy before Brazil return to competitive fixtures next year. The coming friendlies will provide an important measure of whether the side can improve its response to dead balls and crosses while establishing a clearer pecking order among its goalkeepers.