Goalscorer v Brazil knows Corinthians, cites Memphis: ‘Intense football’ | OneFootball

Corinthians earned a mention after the 1-1 draw between Brazil and Australia, played on Friday morning (25) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. Scorer of Australia’s goal, forward Nestory Irankunda said he knows the black-and-white club and mentioned Memphis Depay while commenting on his references to Brazilian soccer in an interview with getv after the friendly.

The youngster also mentioned Palmeiras when asked about the country’s soccer. Speaking specifically about Timão, Irankunda recalled that Memphis plays for the club from Parque São Jorge and highlighted the intensity he sees in Brazilian soccer. “Brazilian soccer? I know Palmeiras and Corinthians. Memphis plays there. It’s very intense soccer,” he said.

Photo: REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

Irankunda beats Hugo Souza from a free kick

The statement came after the Australian forward had been the star of a play involving a Corinthians player. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Irankunda took a free kick and found the right corner past Hugo Souza to put Australia ahead.

Starting for the Brazilian National Team in the friendly, the black-and-white goalkeeper was unable to reach the shot. Brazil later found the equalizer through Rayan, after a cross from Raphinha, making the final score 1-1.

After the match, Irankunda also spoke about what it meant to score against the Brazilian National Team. The forward mentioned names such as Raphinha, Vini Jr., Endrick and Estêvão while praising the opponent’s quality and described the goal as a dream come true.

“I feel very good. Brazil have very good players like Raphinha, Vini, Endrick and Estêvão. The list could keep growing. Scoring a goal today was like a dream coming true. We work very hard. We attack together and defend together. Both teams had chances. It was very good to compete against the best,” he added.

Corinthians had two representatives among the starters

In addition to Irankunda’s reference to Memphis, Corinthians were represented on the field by two players. Hugo Souza and Matheuzinho were chosen by Carlo Ancelotti to start the friendly.

The match had special meaning for the right-back, who made his first appearance for Brazil’s senior national team. Matheuzinho had previously received call-ups for the Under-20 team in 2018, when he was still playing for Londrina.

Breno Bidon completed the Corinthians trio called up for the FIFA international window. The 21-year-old midfielder started the match on the bench and did not come on.

Brazil and Australia will still have a second meeting during this FIFA international window. The teams will face each other again next Tuesday (29), at 7 a.m. Brasília time, once again at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.