Chuchu Ramirez scored the only goal as Venezuela edged out Australia 1-0 in an international friendly in Houston.

Ramirez struck in the 38th minute at Shell Energy Stadium to condemn the Socceroos to a second straight defeat.

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.

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

Australia, who 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.

Data Debrief: Socceroos suffer back-to-back defeats

Following a 12-match unbeaten run, Australia have suffered consecutive defeats for the first time since June 2023.

The Socceroos have failed to win any of their last 19 matches on neutral territory when trailing at half-time. Their last such victory came against Japan at the 2006 World Cup (3-1 from 1-0 down).

Ramirez was the hero, scoring from one of his four shots on target. That is the joint-most by any player in a match against Australia since the start of 2015.