Rayan header salvages 1-1 draw between Brazil and Australia

Brazil and Australia played to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly in Townsville on Friday. Brazilian substitute Rayan scored the equalizer in the 95th minute, denying the hosts their second win over the South American giants. The match between two evenly-matched teams was difficult, according to Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who admitted the pitch was not conducive to good football.

Australia's Nestory Irankunda had a superb free kick that looked like it could have secured an upset win for his team, but Brazil came out on top in the end.

Australia took the lead midway through the second half with a free kick from Nestory Irankunda, who drilled the ball over the defensive wall and into the net. However, Brazil dominated the remainder of the match and were rewarded with the equalizer from Rayan in the final minute of play. Both teams looked to rebuild after early exits from this year's World Cup, and the Socceroos seized the early advantage through possession and territory.

Midfielder Connor Metcalfe went close early on, and Argentine forward Raphinha and Chelsea forward Estevao both had chances for Brazil before Estevao forced a good save from Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach.

Despite Brazil's dominance, the Socceroos kept the game alive with space out wide, and it seemed only a matter of time before they scored. However, Irankunda's superb free kick proved to be the difference, leaving Australian goalkeeper Beach rooted to the spot. Brazil looked to have sealed the match with Estevao's goal, but a VAR review saw the goal disallowed due to an earlier foul on Australian captain Harry Soutar. In the end, Rayan's header in the final minute was the deciding factor in the 1-1 draw.