A goal in the 95th minute
Brazil escaped defeat by the narrowest of margins. A 1-1 draw against Australia on Friday in Townsville, Queensland. The Socceroos struck first in the 68th minute. Nestory Irankunda curled a free kick into the top corner of the Brazilian goal. A stunning strike that looked set to be enough.
Rayan had other ideas. On for just 19 minutes, the 20-year-old forward headed home a Raphinha corner in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Equalizer, and relief for the Seleção.
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First match since the World Cup exit
This friendly marked Brazil’s return to the pitch since their round-of-16 exit against Norway at the World Cup in early August. A charged context for Carlo Ancelotti, taking charge of his team for the first time since that early elimination.
Rayan, meanwhile, is riding high off a strong World Cup. The young forward, who turned 20 during the tournament, was among Brazil’s standout performers there. His goal in Townsville keeps that momentum going, in an otherwise difficult night for his teammates.
Ancelotti flags a lack of fluidity
The five-time world champions didn’t convince in their comeback match. Few chances created, a sluggish rhythm against a resilient Australian side. Ancelotti didn’t hide from the difficulty of the test. “It was a difficult match,” the Italian admitted. “On a pitch that wasn’t in ideal condition for football, we still fought until the end, and it was a good test for us.”
Brazil face Australia again on Tuesday, in Brisbane. Then it’s on to Kolkata to take on India on October 3.
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