Nestory Irankunda has made the World Cup stage his own as the Socceroos pulled off one of their greatest ever victories with a stunning 2-0 upset win over Turkey.
Tony Popovic’s Socceroos have one foot in the knockout stage after Irankunda, 20, became Australia’s youngest World Cup goalscorer with a wonderful goal in the 27th minute, before Connor Metcalfe sealed victory with a glorious solo effort in the 75th.
The win on Saturday night (Sunday AEST) at Vancouver’s BC Place sets up an enthralling clash with co-hosts the United States, who beat Paraguay 4-1 and lead Group D ahead of Australia, in Seattle on Friday.
It was the first time the Socceroos have won their opening group stage match since 2006.
Popovic, who became the first Australian to play and coach at a World Cup, was rewarded for his huge gambles to start Irankunda and pick Patrick Beach over captain Maty Ryan and Paul Okon-Engstler over Jackson Irvine.
Beach was wonderful – making a stunning fingertip save to turn Abdulkerim Bardakci’s fierce strike onto the post on the half-hour mark, then denying Real Madrid star Arda Güler’s dipping free kick in the 57th.
Connor Metcalfe celebrates after his wonder strike put the Socceroos up 2-0
Goalie Patrick Beach (right) salutes the crowd after the Aussies’ victory. His selection over skipper Mat Ryan was a huge risk by coach Tony Popovic, but it paid off handsomely
Starting player of the match Nestory Irankunda (left) was another Popovic gamble. The 20-year-old hammered the ball into the net in the first half to kick off wild celebrations
The 22-year-old denied Kerem Aktürkoğlu at point-blank range in the 78th, then batted away a free kick from captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu – who had said Turkey were more talented than Australia – in the 85th in front of 52,497 fans.
There were 10 World Cup debutants in the starting line-up, and an average age of 24.6, with captain on the night Harry Souttar the only player to have previously experienced the tournament.
But no one will be questioning Popovic now.
The Socceroos weren’t overwhelmed at the start, but took some time to work their way into the contest.
At the first drinks break, Popovic had an animated chat with Irankunda, then another with the entire group.
Minutes later, Beach quickly worked the ball to Cameron Burgess, who found Okon-Engstler.
The 21-year-old cleverly lofted the ball over the Turkey defensive lines for Irankunda, who, with a brilliant first touch took out Merih Demiral, before finishing beautifully.
Irankunda ran to the corner flag and boxed it, in a tribute to the famous celebration of Socceroos great Tim Cahill, who was his idol growing up.
Pictured: The Socceroos salute the crowd after the victory, which sets up a huge match against the USA on Saturday morning, Australian time
Popovic (pictured, facing camera) said he was ‘so happy for a wonderful young group of men’
Turkey called on Juventus star Kenan Yildiz at halftime in a bid to turn the tide.
Souttar had a header batted away by Çakır in the 54th but, between Beach’s heroics, Metcalfe went on an incredible weaving run before skidding an unstoppable shot inside the near post.
Australia’s brilliantly desperate defence would not be bested from there, despite a late Turkey barrage.
‘Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this,’ Popovic said after the win.
‘Put a smile on these people’s faces that have travelled so far to support us. And just so happy for a wonderful young group of men.
‘You see the young boys combining to score a goal and can’t underestimate what this will do for their confidence and belief.
‘Emotionally, it will take a lot out of the players this game. So, we’ve got to get back and recover well and focus on the US.’
