Brazil’s post-World Cup reset stumbles, Ancelotti points to pitch

For Brazil, the post-World Cup reset was supposed to offer a glimpse of renewal. Instead, it provided another reminder of just how much work Carlo Ancelotti has on his hands.

Three months after their heartbreaking Round-of-16 exit to Norway, Brazil returned to action on Friday and managed only a 1-1 draw with Australia in Townsville. The result was rescued by Rayan in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sparing the five-time world champions an even more uncomfortable night.

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Ancelotti, however, pointed to the poor pitch as one reason behind his side’s lackluster performance.

“It was a difficult game,” Ancelotti said afterward. “The pitch was not so good to play good football on, but we showed fight until the end.”

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Rayan's 95th-minute header rescues Brazil in 1-1 draw against Australia

The surface may not have been ideal, but Brazil’s problems went considerably deeper than the grass.

Ancelotti had plenty of attacking firepower at his disposal. Endrick, Vinicius, Raphinha and Estevao all started, a quartet that looks capable of frightening almost any defense on paper.

Australia, however, appeared largely unimpressed.

The Socceroos were energetic, organised and aggressive from the opening whistle, finding space out wide and testing Brazil before the visitors had properly settled. Connor Metcalfe went close inside three minutes, while Nestory Irankunda soon forced Hugo Souza into action.

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Brazil eventually found their rhythm. Raphinha threatened with his movement, Estevao tested Patrick Beach and, just before halftime, Brazil thought they had finally broken through.

Estevao’s goal was ruled out after a VAR review found an earlier foul on Australian captain Harry Souttar.

The warning signs continued after the break. Brazil had more control, but control without enough penetration. Its celebrated attack repeatedly ran into an Australian defense that seemed perfectly happy to make Brazil work for every inch.

Then came Irankunda. In the 68th minute, the 20-year-old Sporting forward stepped up for a free kick and produced the kind of moment Brazil had been waiting for from its own stars. His strike flew over the wall and left Souza rooted to the spot.

Australia had the lead. To Brazil’s credit, however, they did not fold. The pressure increased, Australia retreated deeper and Brazil finally found its reward with virtually the last kick of the match.

A corner dropped into the danger zone, Rayan rose above the defense and headed home in the 95th minute.

The late equaliser saved Brazil from a defeat, but it did little to disguise a performance that left plenty of questions for Ancelotti and his star-studded squad.

The two sides meet again on Tuesday before Brazil moves on to face India.