Overview
- Jesús Ramírez settled the friendly with a 38th‑minute tap-in from an Ender Echenique cutback at Shell Energy Stadium.
- Venezuela controlled roughly two-thirds of possession and repeatedly pressed Australia’s buildup to keep them pinned back.
- Patrick Beach, Kai Trewin and Paul Okon-Engstler debuted for Australia, with Beach earning praise for multiple sharp saves.
- Jason Geria left before half-time with a hamstring injury, and Craig Goodwin was withdrawn at the break after difficulties at left wing-back.
- The defeat is Australia’s second in a row under Tony Popovic, with Colombia next in New York, while Venezuela continue under interim coach Fernando Aristeguieta after missing World Cup qualification.