Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was on target for Brazil in their 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Brisbane
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes was on target for Brazil as they beat Australia 4-2
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Bruno Guimaraes has explained why he did not step up to take Brazil's late penalty in their 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Brisbane.
The Arsenal midfielder missed from the spot in the summer against Norway as the Selecao were dumped out of the World Cup in New Jersey during the Round of 16.
Plenty of focus was on Guimaraes when Brazil were awarded a spot-kick with just over 10 minutes of normal time left, particularly given Raphinha wasn't on the pitch.
But Guimaraes has now revealed Carlo Ancelotti wanted Vinicius to take the penalty to boost his confidence.
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The Gunners maestro said: "That was the reason [the penalty gave Vini confidence]. After the penalty incident, many things came to light. But here in the national team, we have no vanity whatsoever.
"In the World Cup, Ancelotti told me to take the penalty. Today, he told Vini to take it. Vini really needed to score a goal. He took it very well. We have no vanity whatsoever. We want what's best for Brazil. We're happy for him and it's about continuing the work."
Guimaraes was on target anyway and starred for a new-look Brazil team - he even wore the armband in the second half - that put in a much-improved display following their recent 1-1 draw with the Socceroos.
Vinicius insists he was grateful to take the penalty, explaining: "[There was confusion] because Bruno Guimaraes is the one who takes the penalty when Raphinha isn't there.
"I thought he wanted to take it, but he knows I need a little confidence, I hadn't scored in a few games, but it's important for me to start scoring again."
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes missed a penalty for Brazil in the World Cup vs Norway
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Brazil now head to Kolkata to face India, who they play on October 3. Brazil took the lead inside just three minutes when Vanderson opened the scoring before Australia raced into a shock 2-1 lead.
Alessandro Circati equalised before Connor Metcalfe bagged for the Socceroos just five minutes later.
Raphinha then equalised from the penalty spot before Guimaraes finally put Brazil back ahead on 69 minutes.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius, who could have joined his compatriot at Arsenal this summer, then wrapped up the scoring from 12-yards.
Gabriel Magalhaes started the match after previously being rested in the first friendly against Australia.
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