Australia’s meeting with Brazil opened the road towards the 2030 World Cup cycle with a familiar South American opponent on the other side and an unexpected Australian voice reflecting on the game afterwards. Nestory Irankunda, whose free-kick gave the Socceroos their goal, described scoring against Brazil as the fulfilment of a personal ambition.
The news from the club
Irankunda helped Australia earn a 1-1 draw with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil on Friday morning, striking a fine set piece before Rayan scored late to bring Brazil level.
The Australian forward spoke warmly of the scale of the occasion, pointing to Brazil’s attacking talent and the experience of facing such opposition.
“I feel very good,” Irankunda said. “Brazil have outstanding players: Raphinha, Vini, Endrick and Estêvão, and there are many more. To score today felt like a dream coming true.”
He also credited Australia’s collective work in a match where both sides created opportunities.
“We put in a lot of work. We attack together and we defend together. Both teams had their chances, and it was really good to compete with the best,” he said.
Asked about Brazilian football, Irankunda named two of São Paulo’s major clubs, Palmeiras and Corinthians, and noted Memphis playing for the latter. He described the Brazilian game as highly intense.
The next stops in the international window
Australia and Brazil will meet again in another friendly next Tuesday as both teams continue their preparations for 2030.
Brazil will then go on to face India on the 3rd, continuing Ancelotti’s early programme with the national side after the World Cup.
