# Socceroos miss late Brazil goal after Irankunda strike

> Australia’s young star Irankunda scores but Brazil equalizes in final moments of friendly
- Title: Socceroos miss late Brazil goal after Irankunda strike
- Summary: Australia’s young star Irankunda scores but Brazil equalizes in final moments of friendly Irankunda’s 68th-minute free kick gave Australia the lead before…
- Keywords: nestory irankunda, australia socceroos, brazil, international friendly, townsville, carlo ancelotti, quensland country bank stadium, rayan, sports, Socceroos, miss, late
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/25/australia-socceroos-brazil-irankunda-international-friendly-match-report
- Published: 2026-09-25T14:50:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nestory irankunda, australia socceroos, brazil, international friendly, townsville, carlo ancelotti, quensland country bank stadium, rayan, sports
## Irankunda strikes
Nestory Irankunda scored a free kick in the 68th minute to give Australia the lead in Townsville.

> I think it’s maybe a sign of progress if we are a bit disappointed, and I think the dressing room’s a bit quiet.
## Brazil equalizes
Rayan scored a header in added time to equalize the match 1-1.

> It doesn’t feel like a defeat because it’s a draw.
## Brazil stars
Brazil featured top players including Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha in the match.

> We could have won; we had our chances.
## Pitch issues
The Queensland Country Bank Stadium pitch degraded during the match, causing player falls.

> The pitch … it was difficult to play on a pitch like this.
## Socceroos defense
Australia showed defensive resilience despite the late equalizer.

> We have to be patient. We fought back after conceding the goal.
## Coach reactions
Popovic noted disappointment but confidence in the team’s performance.

> Yes, of course, you’re delighted that you get a point in a game like this against Brazil.
## Brazil coach
Ancelotti called the draw a test for both teams.

> These are tests we have to go through, give players opportunities and move on.
## Match result
Australia and Brazil drew 1-1 in the international friendly in Townsville.

> It was a test. The next one is another test too.
## Key takeaway

Irankunda’s 68th-minute free kick gave Australia the lead before Brazil’s late equalizer