Chuchu Ramirez scored the only goal in this international friendly, striking in the 38th minute at Shell Energy Stadium to condemn the Socceroos to a second straight defeat.

Coach Tony Popovic handed out four debuts for Australia. One of them, Patrick Beach, made a smart save to deny Ramirez in the 17th minute, after Jose Contreras had thwarted Mo Toure from a tight angle early on.

But Beach was helpless seven minutes before the break, as Ramirez tucked away Ender Echenique's low ball across the face of goal.

Australia, which lost Jason Geria to injury before half-time, sought a response in the second half. Kai Trewin headed wide, while substitute Riley McGree was denied in the 70th minute.

Lewis Miller made an important last-ditch intervention at the other end, before Toure was kept out twice as Venezuela held on for victory.

This is the first time Australia has suffered consecutive defeats since June 2023, and Popovic acknowledged his  side needs to make improvements if it is to achieve anything at the FIFA World Cup.

"There's a lot we have to assess, but in the end, we're disappointed we lost the game," Popovic said.

"We were probably a little bit too open. Venezuela, technically, were very good and were able to get into our box, and obviously scored a goal, but it was a little bit too easy on our part.

"We know we have to be better, but that's part of what we're doing here and part of the process."

Debutant Beach was also disappointed, despite himself having a solid first outing for the Socceroos.

"It's disappointing not to get the result, the win," he said. "That's what we try to do in every game.

"I thought we played very well in certain patches. Venezuela had the ball a lot of the time and we dug in deep and defended really well but unfortunately we couldn't get the result.

"Pretty busy in the first half and had a save early in the second half. I was really happy that I was able to make those saves for the team and help them out when I was called upon."