Irankunda's Decisive Strike
Nestory Irankunda's Decisive Goal Lifts Australia to 1-0 Victory Over Türkiye
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Key Points
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Before Irankunda scored, Patrick Beach made a specific early intervention—saving a shot from Zeki Celik that went behind for a corner—then Harry Souttar headed the delivery away to prevent an immediate equalizer.
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Radio pundit Curtis Davies said Mo Toure’s apparent injury scare was likely just cramp rather than anything more serious: “If a player has got an injury, he wouldn't let an opposition player stretch it out and risk injuring his muscles. You would suspect it is just cramp for Mo Toure.”
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The decisive goal came from a carefully timed ball by Paul Okon-Engstler (lofted through at 28 minutes). Irankunda received it on the left channel, cut inside, and scored at the near post—turning Australia from a side that offered little going forward into a 1-0 lead from a single move.
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Irankunda’s World Cup breakout drew extra attention due to his rapid career rise and flair: the USA Today preview noted he debuted for Australia in 2024 after Adelaide United success, moved to Bayern Munich in 2024, then joined Watford, and is known for “trademark backflip celebrations.”
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In Melbourne, organizers at the Nasiol Stadium gathering said more than 4,000 people attended, with the Turkish-Australian crowd showing a “muted response” when Irankunda scored to make it 1-0. Hume FC vice president Haydin Bekir said, “it’s not disappointing yet, the game is still not over.”
Australia beat Türkiye 1-0 at BC Place in Vancouver on Saturday, with 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda scoring the only goal in the 27th minute to hand the Socceroos a stunning opening win at the 2026 World Cup. WP Times reported that the victory came from a single counterattack that turned a cautious defensive display into three crucial Group D points.
Coach Tony Popovic made a bold call before kickoff, dropping captain Mathew Ryan and vice-captain Jackson Irvine to the bench. He handed 23-year-old Patrick Beach his World Cup debut in goal. The gamble paid off fully by the final whistle.
Irankunda's Strike Ends Turkey's High-Line Gamble
The goal arrived in the 28th minute. Midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler — son of Socceroos legend Paul Okon — lofted a precise ball into the left channel. Irankunda received it in stride, cut inside his marker, and drove a low shot into the near post. It was Australia's clearest moment going forward, and it was enough.
USA Today noted that Irankunda's rise has been extraordinary. He debuted for Australia in 2024 after success at Adelaide United, earned a move to Bayern Munich that same year, and then joined Watford for regular first-team minutes. He is already known for his "trademark backflip celebrations," and Head Topics reported he is now the youngest Socceroos player to score at a World Cup.
Beach Saves Celik Shot Before Turkey Can Strike First
Australia did not start as the dominant side. Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler controlled the ball in midfield for long spells. In the 18th minute, Türkiye's Zeki Celik broke into the box and forced a diving save from Beach, who parried the shot wide. Harry Souttar then headed the resulting corner clear.
That double intervention steadied Australia early. WP Times reported that the Socceroos defended in a tight low block for most of the match, letting Türkiye have the ball — ending the game with 64% possession — but rarely letting them create a clear chance. Australia had 36% possession and finished with 3 shots on target to Türkiye's 4.
Touré Injury Scare Proves to Be Just Cramp
In the 44th minute, Mohamed Touré went down clutching his leg. Fears spread quickly on the Australian bench. But radio pundit Curtis Davies calmed the concern during the broadcast. "If a player has got an injury, he wouldn't let an opposition player stretch it out and risk injuring his muscles," Davies said. "You would suspect it is just cramp for Mo Touré."
Touré had been one of Australia's best outlets on the counter alongside Irankunda. His ability to continue into the second half was important as Australia held a deep shape from the 60th to the 85th minute, with Türkiye controlling possession but failing to register a single shot on target during that window.
4,000 Turkish-Australians Watch in Melbourne With Quiet Hope
Back in Australia, more than 4,000 people gathered at Nasiol Stadium in Broadmeadows, Melbourne, for a live viewing event. The crowd was largely Turkish-Australian. When Irankunda scored, WA Today reported a "muted response" from the stands. Hume FC vice president Haydin Bekir kept spirits steady. "It's not disappointing yet," he said. "The game is still not over."
It did not turn around. Türkiye never scored. Australia's three points put them in a strong position to advance from Group D. For Türkiye, the loss creates an urgent need to win their next match. For Irankunda, it cements him as the breakout star of the 2026 tournament's opening days.
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