<\/amp-img><\/amp-iframe><\/div>\nHow are you meant to feel when what would\u2019ve been one of the most famous victories in the history of the national team is snatched away at the very last moment by a Brazilian sporting one of the most iconic home kits in world sport, despite being the visiting team?<\/p>\n
Rayan\u2019s header in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, seconds before the final whistle, might feel deflating in the moment, but if we\u2019re to pull the clarity of hindsight into the emotional present, then this result should leave you with an incredible amount of optimism.<\/p>\n
This was no glamour friendly where fans got to see the Selecao, but not the stars who usually fill the jersey. Brazil, managed by the legendary Carlo Ancelotti, fielded an eleven brimming with genuine superstars and a side full of emerging Socceroos talent \u2013 now with players who have experienced a World Cup and secured transfers to bigger clubs – looked like they belonged with them every step of the way.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Australia line up for the national anthems during the International Friendly match between Australia Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cIt\u2019s maybe a sign of progress if we are a bit disappointed, and I think the dressing room is a bit quiet,\u201d Popovic said after the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that\u2019s a good sign.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, of course, you\u2019re delighted that you get a point in a game like this against Brazil, but when you have the lead up until the last kick of the game, then of course<\/p>\n
you walk off a little bit deflated.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce that settles down, I\u2019m sure we can look at the performance as a whole and be very happy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m actually glad there\u2019s disappointment, because I have it as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
There\u2019s still the second game in Brisbane on Tuesday night to navigate, and if Popovic\u2019s side can do that in the same manner as this, then a serious corner has been turned.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019ll be our biggest challenge, to back this up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Tony Popovic, Head Coach of Australia, looks on during the International Friendly match between Australia Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTHE SOCCEROOS PRODUCE ONE OF THEIR BEST ATTACKING DISPLAYS<\/b><\/p>\n
This was one of the most coherent attacking displays, if not the most coherent, of Tony Popovic\u2019s tenure. The Socceroos looked incredibly comfortable in possession and showed a willingness, time and again, to play brave passes to escape pressure and surge forward.<\/p>\n
They created a chance through Connor Metcalfe after Jacob Italiano had robbed Vinicius after just 63 seconds, and Nestory Irankunda stung the palms of Hugo Souza from 25 yards six minutes in as well.<\/p>\n
A 15-pass move in the 15th minute to retain possession was one of the highlights of the first half though.<\/p>\n
It included three courageous passes in between Brazilian players with the third of those transitioning the Socceroos into an attacking raid.<\/p>\n
It was the type of calm, composed and technically brilliant build-up play Australia has been searching for.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was good, I think we\u2019ve worked on a few things this week to try and take another step,\u201d Popovic said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s clear that the players have grown since the World Cup. It\u2019s very evident to us as coaches that are with them every day.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday was another step forward against the very best in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jacob Italiano of Australia tackles Vinicius Junior of Brazil during the International Friendly match between Australia Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIrankunda was restored to his more favoured left-wing role after featuring heavily as a striker at the World Cup and looked every bit the next big star of Australian football.<\/p>\n
Tete Yengi started up front and wrestled, pressed, ran channels and dropped in to link up play.<\/p>\n
\u201cExcellent, I thought he was really, really good,\u201d Popovic said of Yengi.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll gain a lot of confidence from that, playing this type of quality and right at the end there he was still contributing to us with and without the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul Okon-Engstler and Jackson Irvine\u2019s work in midfield was world class. Brazil struggled to contain the pair with the ball and the duo ran themselves into the ground<\/p>\n
without it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like singling out any players, but those two were really outstanding,\u201d the coach said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA wonderful performance by both of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington took their place in the heart of defence and handled the task with a mixture of poise and moments of throwing themselves in the way of their opponents.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Lucas Herrington of Australia heads the ball during the International Friendly match between Australia Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFans were treated to two trademark Souttar lunging challenges in the 34th minute that not only stopped a Brazilian raid but also launched one of Australia\u2019s own off the back of them. The giant defender produced another incredible challenge in the box in the 54th minute to deny Endrick when the Aussie captain looked well beaten.<\/p>\n
Brazil also appeared destined to score until a desperate challenge from Herrington on Barcelona\u2019s Raphinha resulted in the ball going over the bar instead of nestling in<\/p>\n
the back of the net.<\/p>\n
This is just normal life for Herrington now. If Popovic thought the 19-year-old was good before the World Cup, then his opinion of the defender has only grown since<\/p>\n
his move to Premier League side Hull City.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has improved; there\u2019s no doubt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen a big change in just a few months.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat comes from the training, the level of training, how high that would be on a daily basis and obviously, the competition that he\u2019s playing in.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nIrankunda stuns Brazil with SCREAMER! | 00:33<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nTHE NESTORY IRANKUNDA WONDERGOAL<\/b><\/p>\n
The \u201clevel\u201d Popovic mentions, and has been mentioning since the start of his tenure, is the key here.<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s crop of young stars is adapting to new and bigger clubs after their World Cup exploits made them attractive transfer prospects.<\/p>\n
At these new clubs, they must be brilliant every day or get used to sitting on the bench.<\/p>\n
Twenty-year-old Irankunda moved from English Championship side Watford to Sporting CP, one of the biggest teams in Portugal, and competition for places and minutes is fierce.<\/p>\n
The Socceroos get to reap the rewards of that daily intensity.<\/p>\n
Irankunda\u2019s stunning 68th minute free kick and his tireless performance in general, is evidence of that.<\/p>\n
It was perfect Nestory territory.<\/p>\n
The ball was just far enough outside the box to be lifted up and over the Brazilian wall and into the back left-hand side of the net.<\/p>\n
Hugo Souza slumped to one knee and then onto his back in goal. They were the actions of a man who knew he had just been beaten by something brilliant and that little could\u2019ve been done to stop it.<\/p>\n
Cue delirium, backflips and a broad smile from Popovic. Everyone else inside the ground in Townsville just stood and applauded.<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Nestory Irankunda of Australia celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the International Friendly match between Australia Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cA wonderful free kick,\u201d Popovic said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s 20-years-old, he started three games at a World Cup, played half a game in the other, he has moved to a bigger club, there\u2019s a clear difference in Nestor already, in terms of he has matured so quickly and in a short space of time, in terms of what\u2019s expected at Sporting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat he\u2019s learning, is that the transfer is one part, and now you go to a new club, they don\u2019t give you minutes, they don\u2019t guarantee you minutes, they give you nothing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to earn everything.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what we want at the Socceroos. Names don\u2019t just get a starting spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe delivered today, played very well and he\u2019ll only get better.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can just imagine when he\u2019s 24 or 28, if he can stay fit and play, and play, and play, and just keep getting better physically.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, he\u2019s understanding the game. Sporting is doing a good job with him, tactically helping him understand a lot of situations on the field that are non-negotiable, and a lot of that is work rate, a lot of that is getting in position.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he\u2019s well ahead of where I expected him to be right now.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/amp-img>TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Nestory Irankunda of Australia celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the International Friendly match between Australia Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nHerrington back home for Roos friendlies | 01:47<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nBRAZIL ROLLS OUT THE STARS IN FRONT OF A SOLD-OUT TOWNSVILLE CROWD<\/b><\/p>\n
How strong a squad would Brazil bring to Australia?<\/p>\n
It was one of the biggest unknowns ahead of the series.<\/p>\n
It turned out to be incredibly strong and the stars didn\u2019t just come and sit on the bench.<\/p>\n
Brazil\u2019s front four alone boasted a ridiculous amount of talent, with Endrick (Real Madrid), Vinicius (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona) and Estevao (Chelsea), deployed ahead of Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal) and Danilo (Botafogo.)<\/p>\n
The South American giants did have their moments and when those moments arrived, it was incredibly pretty to watch, but for large parts they were also well marshalled by a disciplined Australian side.<\/p>\n
Estevao found the back of the net just before half-time, but it was ruled out for a foul on Souttar in the build-up.<\/p>\n
Ancelotti\u2019s side finished with 16 shots, five on target, and 20 touches in Australia\u2019s box.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt times, they\u2019re so strong on transition they can destroy you, so they will get some opportunities, but overall, I think we deserved something out of the game,\u201d Popovic said.<\/p>\n
<\/amp-ima-video><\/p>\nSocceroos target fresh start | 02:37<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nAUSTRALIAN PLAYERS ALSO STARTING TO GET STAR BILLING<\/b><\/p>\n
As big as the names in the Brazilian squad are \u2013 and they are big \u2013 Popovic also hopes people are starting to connect with his young and talented group as well.<\/p>\n
The World Cup is always a key moment for fans to re-engage with the side.<\/p>\n
The likes of Herrington, Circati, Irankunda, Beach and Okon-Engstler securing moves to big clubs has made the narrative of their careers even more intriguing between major tournaments.<\/p>\n
If you combine that with the quality of the performance in Townsville, then Football Australia has a winning formula on its hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want the crowd that comes to watch this game, and people that come to watch this game, that yes, they are outstanding players of Brazil, famous players at the best clubs in the world, but that they also want to watch the young talent and senior players that we have with the Socceroos and they can see that we are a top team as well,\u201d Popovic said.<\/p>\n
Popovic\u2019s side gets the chance to show that again on Tuesday night in Brisbane.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It was that close. That close to beating Brazil for the first time in 25 years, that close to Patrick Beach pulling off another miraculous save in a long line of other miraculous saves already accumulated during his time as the Socceroos goalkeeper and that close to a sublime Nestory Irankunda free kick being the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":264473,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6807],"tags":[156],"class_list":{"0":"post-264472","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-leagues-cups","8":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264472","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264472"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264472\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/264473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264472"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=264472"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=264472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}