Vinicius Jr boosted by Brazil support after Australia penalty lift
Vinicius Junior used Brazil’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia at Suncorp Stadium to find a timely lift, converting an 80th-minute penalty after Bruno Guimaraes handed him the chance. The Real Madrid forward has scored only once at club level so far this season, but his international-team colleagues and Carlo Ancelotti made clear that they remain committed to helping him rediscover his best form.
A penalty decision built around confidence
Brazil’s usual penalty taker, Raphinha, was no longer on the pitch when the late spot-kick was awarded. Guimaraes, the Arsenal midfielder identified as next in line, was prepared to take responsibility before allowing Vinicius to step forward instead.
Vinicius said the gesture reflected an understanding within the squad that he needed encouragement during a difficult period. He acknowledged that missing out on the World Cup had been hard to process and that returning from that disappointment had not been straightforward.
The winger had expected Guimaraes to take the penalty in Raphinha’s absence, but said his team-mate recognised the importance of a goal for his confidence. Vinicius converted calmly to add Brazil’s fourth goal of the evening.
Key moments in Brisbane
- Brazil faced Australia in a friendly at Suncorp Stadium.
- With Raphinha off the field, Guimaraes was the designated option for a penalty.
- Guimaraes instead gave Vinicius the ball, with Brazil leading late in the match.
- Vinicius scored from the spot in the 80th minute as Brazil completed a 4-2 victory.
Guimaraes stresses Brazil’s collective approach
Guimaraes said the decision was made specifically because Vinicius needed the boost that a goal could provide. He described the Brazil group as one without individual vanity, with the focus placed on what benefits the national side.
The midfielder also referred to the World Cup, when Ancelotti had instructed him to take a penalty. Against Australia, however, the coach told Vinicius to take the kick. Guimaraes felt the forward struck it well and said the squad were pleased for him as they continue their work together.
Ancelotti maintains faith in his forward
Ancelotti defended Vinicius after the final whistle, insisting that the attacker remains central to Brazil’s plans despite not being at his highest level. The head coach said he knows the player well and views him as an essential figure both during their previous work together and in Brazil’s future.
While accepting that Vinicius is going through a below-par spell, Ancelotti argued that the forward can still decide matches. He said the goal Vinicius had already scored in the game informed his decision to let him take the penalty, adding that the player deserved the opportunity to score again.
Ancelotti also promised patience, saying Vinicius had earned that support. The 80th-minute finish does not erase the winger’s difficult opening to the campaign, but it gives him a positive result to take through the remainder of the international break.
Key takeaways
- Vinicius scored Brazil’s late fourth goal in a 4-2 friendly victory over Australia.
- The penalty was taken after Guimaraes voluntarily gave the opportunity to his team-mate.
- Vinicius has one Real Madrid goal this season, making the international strike particularly valuable for his confidence.
- Ancelotti regards the 25-year-old as a fundamental player for Brazil and intends to remain patient during his dip in form.
