Nestory Irankunda produced a moment of individual brilliance, but Australia were denied a famous victory after Brazil struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw in Townsville on Friday.
The 20-year-old winger stepped up against the five-time world champions with a spectacular free-kick in the 68th minute, sending the crowd at Queensland Country Bank Stadium into celebration.
Irankunda, who was deployed on the wing rather than in a central attacking role, looked dangerous throughout the contest. The Sporting CP forward eventually found his breakthrough with a stunning long-range effort that sailed over Brazil’s defensive wall before dipping into the top corner.
The goal was followed by Irankunda’s trademark backflip before his teammates rushed over to celebrate with him.
For much of the second half, Australia appeared on course for only their second victory over Brazil. The Socceroos were forced into a determined defensive effort as Brazil increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
Harry Souttar, Lucas Herrington and Alessandro Circati were among Australia’s key defensive performers as the home side battled to protect their advantage.
Brazil, however, finally found a way through in added time. Substitute Rayan rose to meet a cross and powered a header into the net, rescuing a draw for the South Americans and ending Australia’s hopes of a memorable upset.
“I’m super proud of my performance and the team’s performance as well, but I’m really disappointed that we didn’t get the win,” Irankunda told Network 10.
“It’s a bad way to concede a goal but we’ll do our analysis.”
Brazil Goal Ruled Out After VAR Review
Brazil thought they had taken the lead shortly before half-time when Chelsea forward Estevao found the corner with a right-footed finish.
The goal came after impressive work from Endrick around the edge of Australia’s penalty area, but the hosts immediately appealed for a foul on Souttar in the build-up.
Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was adjudged to have fouled the Australian defender. Japanese referee Ryo Tanimoto initially allowed play to continue, but VAR intervention prompted a review.
After checking the footage, Tanimoto overturned the goal and awarded Australia a free-kick, allowing the Socceroos to reach the interval level.
The decision came during a sustained spell of Brazilian pressure. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Guimaraes had all been involved in attacking moves but were unable to convert their opportunities.
Australia also came close from a set piece when Connor Metcalfe’s corner narrowly missed Souttar before reaching Circati at the far post. The defender was unable to turn the opportunity into a goal.
Italiano Involved in Early Head Clash
Australia were given an early scare when Jacob Italiano suffered a heavy collision with Brazil defender Douglas Santos in the eighth minute.
The pair challenged for the ball and went down after their heads collided, with Italiano appearing to take the more serious impact.
The Australian wing-back was left holding his bleeding head as medical staff attended to both players. Play was stopped for several minutes while the players were assessed.
Italiano subsequently had his head strapped before returning to the field, allowing him to continue despite the worrying early incident.
Australia Take Confidence Into Brisbane Rematch
Although the late equaliser prevented Australia from securing a historic victory, the performance gives the Socceroos plenty to build on ahead of Tuesday’s second meeting with Brazil in Brisbane.
Irankunda’s spectacular strike will remain one of the major highlights of the contest, while Australia’s disciplined defensive display kept the South American giants frustrated for long periods.
The two sides will meet again in Brisbane, with Australia looking to carry the momentum from their impressive showing in Townsville into the second match.
