Rayan’s Late Header Rescues Brazil in Australia Friendly Draw
Brazil salvaged a late 1-1 draw with Australia in Townsville as substitute Rayan headed home almost with the final action of the friendly.
Match and tour schedule
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Australia v Brazil | 1-1 | Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville |
| Australia scorer | Nestory Irankunda | Second-half free-kick |
| Next meeting | Tuesday | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| Brazil v India | Saturday, October 3 | Final match of the tour |
Australia appeared set for a major friendly victory after Irankunda bent a fine free-kick into the net during the second half. Brazil had earlier seen an Estevao goal ruled out after a VAR check, before Rayan denied the hosts in dramatic fashion.
Carlo Ancelotti rejected the idea that the result should be viewed as a failure, arguing that Brazil created enough openings to win despite struggling with the Townsville surface.
“It does not feel like a defeat because it was a draw,” Ancelotti said. “We had opportunities to win. The pitch made it difficult to play. We must be patient. After we went behind, we reacted and earned a draw that we deserved.
“These games are tests. We need to give players opportunities and keep progressing. The next game will be another test.”
The Brazil coach made clear that the current friendly programme is being used to assess options rather than chase immediate results. He said the work was a continuation rather than the beginning of a new era, with minutes being targeted for less-used players and emerging talents including Endrick and Estevao.
Ancelotti admitted Brazil lacked sharpness near goal but praised his players for forcing the equaliser.
“Supporters have to be patient,” he added. “When the official competitions begin, we will be prepared. There were positives. We could have gone ahead, but we lacked accuracy in the final third. The team kept fighting until the end. They did not want to lose, and they did not lose.”
Brazil will make limited changes for Tuesday’s rematch in Brisbane, with Ancelotti planning further rotation to spread minutes through his squad. Australia, meanwhile, will seek to turn an encouraging performance into a landmark win after allowing the lead to slip at the death.
