Nestory Irankunda’s stunning free kick had the Socceroos just seconds away from a famous victory against Brazil in Townsville.
However, Brazilian substitute Rayan slammed a header in off the underside of the crossbar in the 95th-minute to salvage a 1-1 draw, dashing the Socceroos hopes of recording just a second ever victory against the Seleção.
Irankunda later told Channel 10 that his goal was “beautiful” and it would be hard to disagree.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti bemoaned what he described as a “not so good” pitch that made it hard to play good football.
But Irankunda’s goal was everything that is beautiful about the game.
Lining up a free kick 20 metres from goal, Irankunda punched the ball over the four-man wall, and into the top corner of the goal.
“I mean, good goal, good goal,” the 20-year-old told Channel 10.
“I’ve done it before and to do it again today against a top team in Brazil, it’s amazing.”
The goal, and lead, was exactly what the Socceroos deserved after a superb first half, running the number five-ranked Brazilians ragged through midfield and creating a number of chances.
Brazil looked shaky and uncertain in possession, turning over the ball in dangerous areas in a throwback to the worst aspects of their faltering 2026 World Cup campaign.
“I think we should do so much, much better,” Bruno Guimarães said,
“The pitch was a little bit difficult … we couldn’t pass the ball properly.
“We got a draw and I’m hopeful we can perform better in the next game, because the level that we have in the squad, we can definitely play better.”
Both Australia’s fullbacks found themselves in acres of space, rushing forward and laying the ball off to attacking threats Tete Yengi and Irankunda, who forced a fine save from Hugo Souza with a 20-metre driven shot inside the opening 10 minutes.
Nestory Irankunda had a fine effort saved early in the first half.
Brazil grew into the game towards the end of the half, even putting the ball in the back of the net in first half stoppage time when Estêvão slotted home after Harry Souttar was caught in possession.
However, VAR ruled that Bruno Guimarães had grabbed the giant centre back’s leg, leading to the goal being overturned.
Brazil also felt they could have had a penalty when Lucas Herrington was seen to grab a fistful of Endrick’s shirt as he raced into the penalty area.
In the second half Brazil continued to build the pressure right up until the moment Irankunda turned on the style with his magical free kick.
The remaining 20 minutes saw the Socceroos retreat deeper and deeper into their shells, with all 11 players within 20 metres of the goal line at times as Brazil camped on the edge of the penalty area.
Souttar and Herrington both made tremendous blocks in outstanding performances, but neither could stop a bullet header from Rayan, which kicked up off the pitch and through the palms of Pat Beach, going in off the base of the crossbar.
The two teams will resume hostilities in Tuesday night at Brisbane’s Lang Park.
