Brazil were staring at another difficult night in Townsville until Rayan rose in stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 friendly draw with Australia.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side had trailed from the 68th minute at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, where Nestory Irankunda bent a superb direct free-kick beyond the Brazilian goalkeeper. It left the Seleção heading towards defeat, only two and a half months after their 2-1 World Cup last-16 loss to Norway.
The equaliser arrived with the final opportunity. Raphinha delivered a corner in the fifth minute of added time and Bournemouth forward Rayan met it with a header to deny Australia victory.
Brazil avoided a second setback, although the performance did little to erase the doubts left by their World Cup exit. For Raphinha, however, the decisive delivery extended an exceptional opening to the campaign. Barcelona’s captain had already recorded 14 goals and three assists in eight club appearances before adding another assist for his country in Australia.
