The Socceroos secured a significant 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Auckland, showcasing the talent of young star Nestory Irankunda. The 19-year-old, starting his first match since October 2022, not only impressed with his free kick prowess but also delivered a remarkable solo goal, further solidifying his reputation as one of Australia’s brightest football prospects.
Irankunda, who recently gained attention for scoring stunning free kicks while playing for English Championship side Watford, nearly added another highlight to his reel with a powerful shot that struck the woodwork from 35 metres. Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic expressed his admiration for Irankunda’s performance, saying, “I looked up on the screen because I couldn’t believe that he hit it that well. Amazing free kick… I’m actually happier he scored in general play, as opposed to the free kick, to be honest.”
In addition to Irankunda’s standout performance, 21-year-old striker Mohamed Toure made headlines by scoring his first two international goals on his starting debut, further contributing to the team’s success. Popovic praised the midfield pairing of debutant Max Balard and Aiden O’Neill, recognizing their role in the team’s improved performance. The coach also highlighted the contributions of Connor Metcalfe, who provided two assists for Toure, saying, “Connor Metcalfe was excellent… just shows you how resilient he is and he’s a good footballer.”
The match served as an opportunity for Popovic to evaluate new talent and overseas-based players in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. He noted the team’s progress, stating, “It’s nice to see that we improved with the ball, particularly away from home, under pressure… I thought having more days together in camp showed a real improvement in training for us.”
Looking ahead, the Socceroos will face Canada in Montreal on October 11, 2023, followed by a match against the United States in Colorado four days later. Popovic described these fixtures as “fantastic games in terms of preparation and playing two host nations of the World Cup.” His unbeaten run as head coach now stands at ten games, marking a successful tenure thus far.
While some players will return to their clubs, Popovic is contemplating whether to include A-League Men players for the upcoming friendlies, as they will not be in-season. Notably, Portsmouth sensation Adrian Segecic was absent from the match against New Zealand after being an unused substitute in the previous game. Popovic emphasized the importance of continued effort, stating, “He has to go back to his club and work like all the other players and keep performing well.”
As the Socceroos continue their preparations for the World Cup, the performances of emerging talents like Irankunda and Toure will be crucial in shaping the team’s future. With the next set of friendlies on the horizon, Popovic and his squad are focused on building on their recent successes and refining their strategies for the challenges that lie ahead.
