Estevao Willian made his return to Brazil’s starting line-up and was close to marking it by netting a decisive goal, but had to settle for a draw after his strike was ruled out.
The Chelsea winger was recalled by the Selecao for this international window, which they begin with back-to-back friendlies away against Australia. Joao Pedro had also been named in their squad, but was later withdrawn.
Estevao went straight into Carlo Ancelotti’s line-up for the first of those friendlies down under, making his first start for his country since scoring in a 1-1 draw with Tunisia last November.
It was nearly a similar story in this match, when Estevao thought he had given his team the lead in first-half stoppage time by firing into the bottom-left corner. However, VAR intervened and disallowed the goal for a foul by Bruno Guimaraes in the build-up.
Instead it was the hosts Australia who took the lead through a Nestory Irankunda free-kick after the break, despite Brazil having the better of the possession.
Estevao was withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining, but Brazil managed to salvage a draw with virtually the last kick of the game, when Rayan headed in a Raphinha corner in the fifth minute of added time.
After that 1-1 draw, Brazil and Australia will meet again in Sydney on Tuesday, with kick-off at 11am UK time.