Tony Popović

Australia let a late lead slip to draw 1-1 with Brazil in Townsville before fading to a 4-2 defeat in Brisbane, but Tony Popovic's side showed a marked shift in intent across the two-match series. Paul Okon-Engstler and a youthful core were central to the performance, with former Socceroos boss Frank Farina labelling the group a 'new golden generation'.

The A-Leagues season launch in Sydney was clouded by the Premier League's finding that Manchester City breached financial rules, with the APL pledging to review the verdict as questions swirl over the links between the governing body and affiliated club Melbourne City.

Brazil came from behind twice to beat Australia 4-2 in a six-goal friendly at Lang Park in Brisbane. Vanderson struck inside two minutes before Connor Metcalfe and Alessandro Circati turned the game around for the Socceroos, only for Raphinha’s first-half penalty and a Bruno Guimarães strike after a Vinícius Júnior-Endrick link-up to restore Brazil’s lead, with Vinícius adding a late spot-kick.

Nestory Irankunda's spectacular 68th-minute free kick put Australia on the brink of a famous win over Brazil in Townsville, only for Rayan's stoppage-time header to salvage a 1-1 draw for Carlo Ancelotti's new-look side in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,440.

Australia friendlies mark start of Brazil's new generation, says Ancelotti

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti says the upcoming friendlies against Australia are the start of a new generation after an early World Cup exit to Norway, with a heavily rotated squad featuring few survivors from the tournament and a focus on players eligible for the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup.

Brazil have arrived in Townsville for the first fixtures of Carlo Ancelotti’s full World Cup cycle, with the five-time champions set to face Australia on Friday in an unlikely rugby league outpost. Ancelotti has named a strong XI featuring Barcelona’s Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.