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Australia vs Brazil Preview: Lineups, Predictions, and Betting Tips for the Queensland Friendly

The friendly encounter between Australia and Brazil in Queensland promises an intriguing clash. Our expert analysis leans towards a dominant display by Brazil, although Australia could make it challenging early on.

Betting Odds Summary (from talkSPORT BET)

  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - No: 10/11
  • Brazil total goals Over 2.5: 5/4
  • Half-time/Full-time result - Draw/Brazil: 4/1

Challenges for Australia’s Attack

Tony Popovic has kept faith in 16 players from his World Cup squad while adding seven potential newcomers and three returning players. Injuries to key forwards Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, and Cristian Volpato may hamper their offensive threat. Recently, the Socceroos have struggled to find the net, scoring only one goal in their last three matches and just three goals across four World Cup games, averaging 0.75 per 90 minutes.

On the other hand, Brazil's defensive duo of Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos is one of the strongest in international football, making it tough for Australia to score. The Selecao managed two clean sheets in five World Cup matches and in their last six encounters with Australia, at least one team failed to score.

Brazil’s Threatening Offense

Carlo Ancelotti has assembled a lethal attacking lineup featuring Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Estevao, Endrick, and Joao Pedro. Brazil scored 10 goals during the World Cup and have found the net in every match over the past year. In recent head-to-heads, Brazil has scored at least three goals in three of the last five meetings, including a 4-0 win in Melbourne in 2017.

This potent offense could overwhelm the hosts, making a bet on Brazil scoring more than 2.5 goals appealing.

Australia’s Chances to Resist Early

Despite Brazil’s status as favorites, Australia has improved and might hold them to a goalless first half. Past matches between these teams show tight contests early on, with two of the last four being level at halftime. One game saw Brazil score twice after the break to win, while Australia secured a 1-0 victory in another.

Brazil recently drew at halftime with Norway, suggesting Australia could keep pace initially before Brazil's class shines later. A half-time draw followed by a Brazil win looks like good value.

Team Form and Final Prediction

Australia’s World Cup started brightly with a 2-0 win over Türkiye but then faltered, exiting in the Round of 32 after a penalty loss to Egypt. The home crowd will be eager to see the Socceroos rise to the challenge against a football powerhouse. Australia’s past win over Brazil in the 2001 Confederations Cup third-place match shows they can surprise.

Brazil’s World Cup was disappointing with a quarter-final exit to Norway despite good early performances. This friendly offers a chance for Ancelotti to experiment but pride remains at stake.

Predicted score: Australia 0-3 BrazilExpected goalscorers: Joao Pedro, Raphinha (2)

Likely Starting Lineups

  • Australia: Beach, Circati, Souttar, Herrington, K. Bos, Irvine, O’Neill, Behich, Metcalfe, Robertson, Irankunda
  • Brazil: Souza, Wesley, Marquinhos, Magalhaes, Jair, Guimaraes, A. Santos, Rayan, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Pedro

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