Brazil and Australia meet again in Brisbane as criticism of Ancelotti grows

Second meeting in four days

Brazil's national team plays Australia again on Tuesday, September 29, in Brisbane, on Australia's east coast — the second friendly between the two sides during this FIFA window. In the first match last Friday in Townsville, the teams drew 1-1, with Brazil rescued from defeat by a stoppage-time goal from Rayan. The match is broadcast by TV Globo, sportv and ge tv.

Following the disappointment of the first test, coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to change more than half the starting lineup — seven changes in total — along with the tactical setup, switching to a 4-3-3. Raphinha, one of the players retained, will now play as a center-forward, a role he has performed successfully at Barcelona this season (14 goals in his last eight club matches). Rayan, who scored Friday's equalizer, is one of the new starters, playing on the right, with Vini Jr. kept on the left. The defense will be reshuffled with Otávio, Vanderson, Jair, Gabriel Magalhães and Mauro Júnior, while midfield sees Danilo and Bruno Guimarães joined by Gabriel Bontempo.

Ancelotti dismisses the criticism

Responding to criticism over the team's performances, Ancelotti said it "affects zero" of his outlook for the squad's future. Brazilian outlets report that the locker room remained calm even after the draw with Australia — according to a player quoted by R7, Ancelotti had made clear during preparations that friendlies are, for him, a time for testing, so there were no complaints either after this match or after the team's World Cup elimination to Norway. UOL columnist Milly Lacombe sharply criticized the coach in her opinion piece, calling his stance stubborn and arrogant. R7 also notes that Ancelotti has won 63% of available points across 18 matches in charge (10 wins, four draws, four losses), and mentions Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus — who was passed over by the CBF in favor of Ancelotti — who has criticized Brazil's cautious style of play.

Context

This is the tenth all-time meeting between the two national teams, with Brazil holding a record of six wins, one loss and two draws. Australia's coach Tony Popovic said he expects a tougher match, believing Brazil will try to erase the impression left by Friday's result. After facing Australia, Brazil has one more friendly in this FIFA window, against India on Saturday.