Bruno Guimaraes explains Vinicius Jr penalty decision in Brazil win

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Bruno Guimaraes has explained why he stood aside for Vinicius Jr when Brazil were awarded a late penalty in their 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Brisbane.

The Arsenal midfielder was the obvious candidate from 12 yards with Raphinha off the pitch, but it was the Real Madrid forward who stepped up with just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining — and duly converted to wrap up the scoring.

The moment carried extra weight given Guimaraes missed from the spot against Norway in the summer, when Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup in the Round of 16 in New Jersey.

Ancelotti's call

According to football.london, Guimaraes revealed the decision came directly from Carlo Ancelotti, who wanted Vinicius to take it and rebuild his confidence in front of goal.

"That was the reason [the penalty gave Vini confidence]," the Gunners midfielder said. "After the penalty incident, many things came to light. But here in the national team, we have no vanity whatsoever."

He added: "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."

Vinicius, who could have joined Guimaraes at Arsenal this summer, offered his own version of the brief confusion on the pitch. "[There was confusion] because Bruno Guimaraes is the one who takes the penalty when Raphinha isn't there," he said. "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."

Armband and a goal for the Arsenal man

Guimaraes did not leave Brisbane without a goal of his own. He restored Brazil's lead on 69 minutes and wore the captain's armband for the second half of a much-improved performance from a new-look Selecao side, who had drawn 1-1 with the Socceroos in the first meeting between the two.

It was an eventful evening. Vanderson opened the scoring inside three minutes before Australia turned the game on its head through Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe, the latter striking just five minutes after the equaliser. Raphinha levelled from the penalty spot, Guimaraes put Brazil back in front and Vinicius finished the job from 12 yards.

There was Arsenal interest elsewhere in the XI too, with Gabriel Magalhaes starting after being rested for the first friendly against Australia.

Brazil now travel to Kolkata to face India on October 3, meaning both Gunners representatives face another long-haul assignment before returning to north London.

Mikel Arteta will be watching the minutes closely, with Guimaraes and Gabriel both due back at London Colney once the international window closes.