Underlying Socceroos maturity uncovered as veteran defies expectation
The Socceroos and Brazil delivered another pulsating contest, this time in front of a packed house at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Brazil ran out 4-2 victors as Bruno Guimaraes and Vini Jnr grabbed second half strikes to guide Carlo Ancelotti’s team to a deserved victory.
Jackson Irvine argues with Danilo. Getty Images
Here are 5 key talking points from the game:
Brazil react to Townsville draw
Carlo Ancelotti demanded a reaction from his Brazilian team on Tuesday nightas he rung the changes, including moving Raphina to number 9.
Brazil seemed to heed this expectation from their Italian manager as they took a third minute lead through a sweet strike from Vanderson before Patrick Beach came up with two sharp saves to deny Raphina doubling the lead inside the first 15 minutes.
Brazil dominated early possession as they took command of the early running with their ball speed notably quicker than the first outing in Townsville last week.
They were forced to come from behind once again after a Metcalfe strike put the Socceroos ahead, but the class of Brazil told in the end as they were able to run out victors.
Socceroos composure
The earliest goal to have been conceded by the Socceroos under the reign of Popovic would have had lesser teams rocking. Despite Brazil’s early dominance the Socceroos showcased an underlying maturity wherein they played themselves back into a game which was threatening to overrun them.
Displaying the braveness which was on show in Townsville, the Socceroos once again looked to play through the lines and keep possession even when Brazil looked to press high.
Friendly only in name
The intensity of the contest certainly did not indicate that this was a friendly between the two nations, as challenges flew in from the opening whistle.
The physical battle between Tete Yengi and the experienced Brazilian centre back Gabriel was especially intriguing as the young Socceroos forward certainly did not shirk his responsibilities against his more fancied and accomplished opponent.
It did threaten to boil over mid-way through the second half as young Brazilian forward Endrick reacted angrily to a Harry Souttar tackle with both sets of players jumping in to calm the situation.
Aziz Behich pushes Endrick. Getty Images
Behich defies age and match fitness
Aziz Behich’s performance once again out wide on the left was hugely impressive considering his lack of competitive game time in the lead up, with the A-League still three weeks away from kick off.
Despite this Behich was a bundle of energy as he looked to join the attack whenever possible while not neglecting his defensive duties against an always dangerous Brazilian attack.
His growing relationship with the young Lucas Herrington on the left-hand side of the Socceroos defence also can only be a positive moving forward with one eye on the fast-approaching Asian Cup.
Circati scores his second Socceroos goal
Despite the result the game will hold a special place in the heart of Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati as he scored his second international senior goal. A nervous wait followed –he was initially ruled offside before the VAR ruled in his favour as he brought the Socceroos level in the first half with an unconventional flick.
His defensive quality also shone through once again as the developing relationship between himself, Souttar and Herrington took another step in the right direction.
