Irankunda stunner earns Australia 1-1 draw with Brazil in Townsville

Nestory Irankunda curled a 23-yard free-kick into the net and Australia held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in Townsville.

The men's international friendly, a non-competitive match played for preparation rather than points, was played on 25 September at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. A sold-out crowd of 25,440 watched Irankunda strike in the 68th minute before Rayan headed a late equaliser for Brazil The Guardian.

Irankunda's moment came from dead centre. Substitute Paul Okon-Engstler won the foul about 23 yards out, and Irankunda stepped up to beat Brazil goalkeeper Hugo Souza. He had said beforehand he was ready to "do something special" in the series.

Brazil answered late. Raphinha swung in a left-sided corner, Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach got a touch, and Rayan's header hit the crossbar before crossing the goalline.

It was Tony Popovic against Carlo Ancelotti in the dugouts. Brazil started with real star power. Bruno Guimarães, Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior all started, with Endrick leading the line and Estêvão on the flank.

Estêvão thought he had put Brazil ahead on the stroke of half-time. His finish was ruled out after VAR, the video review system, spotted a foul by Bruno Guimarães on Harry Souttar.

This was the first game of a two-game friendly series in Queensland. The second meeting is scheduled for 29 September in Brisbane FIFA.

What makes this stand out is the mix. Australia defended deep, stayed organised and then found a moment of pure quality. Brazil kept the ball and kept coming, as you would expect from five-time World Cup champions.

For fans in Townsville, this was the point. A full house, a brilliant home goal and a shared night against one of football's most famous shirts. Brisbane gets the next chapter.