Rayan's late header denies Australia victory over Brazil in Townsville

Australia were denied victory over Brazil when Rayan headed a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 international friendly draw in Townsville on Friday. Nestory Irankunda had put the Socceroos ahead with a free-kick, but the visitors converted a late corner, according to Football360's live match reporting.

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Irankunda's goal followed a foul on Paul Okon-Engstler near the edge of the penalty area. His curling effort broke the deadlock, and he later left the field for Riley McGree. Brazil also changed their attack, introducing Rayan in place of Estevao before the substitute delivered the equaliser.

Football360 recorded Brazil's goal in the fifth minute of added time, after sustained pressure on Australia's defence. Earlier, Raphinha had sent a chance wide after being found by Vinicius Junior.

Australia's substitutions included a senior international debut for Marcus Younis, who replaced Connor Metcalfe. Aiden O'Neill came on for Okon-Engstler, while Jason Geria replaced Jacob Italiano as the Socceroos sought to protect their advantage against Brazil's late attacks.

The fixture at Queensland Country Bank Stadium opened a two-match series that resumes at Brisbane's Lang Park on Tuesday, September 29. ABC Sport reported before the series that these were Australia's first internationals since the 2026 World Cup and their first meetings with Brazil since June 2017 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Brisbane match is scheduled to kick off at 8pm AEST, giving the teams another opportunity to face each other just four days after the draw.

The series also forms part of Australia's preparations for January's Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia under coach Tony Popovic. ABC Sport reported that McGree and Patrick Yazbek had returned to the squad after missing the World Cup through injury. For Brazil, coach Carlo Ancelotti selected a squad containing 10 players from the domestic league, including all three goalkeepers, alongside players based in Europe. The selection gave the visitors a mix of domestic and overseas options for the two Queensland fixtures. ABC noted that Australia had previously beaten Brazil only once, in the third-place play-off at the 2001 Confederations Cup.