World Cup: Socceroos down Türkiye with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe’s wondergoals

AL WAKRAH, QATAR - NOVEMBER 30: Mitchell Duke of Australia controls the ball under pressure of Jesper Lindstrom of Denmark during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between Australia and Denmark at Al Janoub Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Irankunda’s wonderful run and finish gave Australia a lead at half-time, before Metcalfe matched him with a fine solo effort to confirm the result as the Socceroos’ defence held firm.

The 20-year-old Irankunda was named the Player of the Match for his tremendous World Cup debut.

“It’s effing unreal,” Irankunda said of the win.

“Like it’s a dream come true. You know we’ve got the win now. We worked extra hard. We fought ’til the end. And it’s just an exciting moment.”

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic made a controversial selection call, dropping skipper Mat Ryan in favour of young goalkeeper Patrick Beach, and was rewarded handsomely as Beach thwarted Türkiye with eight saves.

Beach and Australia’s defence, led by stand-in captain Harry Souttar, was under immense pressure to begin the second half before Metcalfe’s stunning 75th-minute strike from outside the penalty area.

“When I saw that ball go in, the feeling that went through my body, I can’t explain it,” Metcalfe said.

“For it to be my first World Cup, my first game, and to score, it couldn’t have gone any better.

“Honestly, I wasn’t even really thinking. I just took the ball, I didn’t even look at anyone else, I just looked up and seen the goal and I just shot, and luckily it was perfect placement.

“I’m so proud of all the boys. Honestly, the shift we’ve just put in, we deserve it, it was unbelievable.”

The result gives Australia a great chance of securing one of the top two spots in Group D ahead of the knockout stage, with the United States in top spot after its 4-1 win over Paraguay on Saturday morning.