Australia go down fighting to Brazil in fiery 4-2 friendly defeat

His first touch taking the ball goalward, Vanderson felt the pressure from Australian defenders closing in and laced a shot goalward, burying it in the top corner of Patrick Beach’s net and putting Brazil ahead. All of 132 seconds had transpired at Lang Park. After being forced to salvage a 1-1 draw with effectively the last touch of the game four days prior, it not only represented a perfect start for the Seleção, but also felt like it was sending a message. We’re Brazil, you’re Australia, and we’re going to put you in your place. And 90 minutes later, a level of pride had been restored when it finished 4-2 to the South Americans.

As that effort from the Monaco defender nestled in the back of the net, memories of Nestory Irankunda’s free-kick blast at Queensland Country Bank Stadium were already fading, and as Raphinha twice thundered efforts into the body of Beach a minute later, it started to feel almost like it was 2017 again, when Diego Souza scored after just 11 seconds at the MCG to set up a comprehensive 4-0 win or 2013, when Jô scored after seven minutes in Brasília to set up a 6-0 win.

The Socceroos looked shellshocked. After being savaged back home for being held to a draw against a perceived lesser footballing nation, the tourists had come out of their corner and socked them straight in the mouth.

Yet the collapse that so easily could have occurred… didn’t. And after taking stock and getting their foot on the ball, the hosts began to work their way back into the contest. More than that, they began to show some of the same attacking intent and bravery in possession as they had flashed in Townsville four days ago.

There were some nervy exchanges as they attempted this – a 19th minute turnover almost giving Vinícius Júnior scope to shoot, only to be closed down at the last – but they were interspersed with moments such as Jackson Irvine finding Tete Yengi in the box, or Irvine and Paul Okon-Engstler combining to spring Irankunda into space behind the Brazilian lines.

In the greater context of this side’s progression, with an Asian Cup looming in January, the result almost felt immaterial as the darting runs and slick pieces of interplay were demonstrated. It was almost unrecognisable from the side that couldn’t find a way to break down Egypt just three months ago at the World Cup; the evolution that had been demanded from Tony Popovic playing out before our eyes.

Then in the 28th minute, it was 1-1: a Connor Metcalfe corner found its way through a mass of bodies – taking a touch off Gabriel, allowing VAR intervention to overrule the subsequent offside flag – and all the way to Alessandro Circati to flick home at the back post. Then, in the 33rd minute, the Socceroos were ahead, Metcalfe receiving a lay-off from Circati and thundering a pearl of a strike beyond debutant keeper Otávio.

Forget the pyro and light show that preceded kickoff, the real fireworks were on the pitch, with more action delivered on the stroke of halftime: Harry Souttar brought down Danilo and conceded a VAR-adjudged penalty converted by Raphinha, and Irankunda blasted over the bar just minutes later instead of making it 3-2.

The Japanese referee, Yusuke Araki, was far busier than he probably expected for a friendly as fireworks broke out between the two teams as the second half progressed – a 64th-minute clash between Souttar and halftime substitute Endrick sparking an all-in by the touchline that at one point saw the young Brazilian go to ground and almost clean up Socceroo assistant Paul Okon Sr.

Coming on for Raphinha after the Barcelona man felt mild discomfort in his right thigh, Endrick ultimately proved the spark that turned the game for Brazil when he provided the cutback that allowed Bruno Guimarães to make it 3-2 minutes after the fracas. Brought down by a faint touch by Irankunda in the 79th minute, Vinícius then sealed the game from the spot.