'Let Them Talk': Socceroos Hero Bites Back at Claim Türkiye 'Dominated'
Nestory Irankunda scored as Australia used disciplined defending and counterattacks to silence doubters in its 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.
- On Sunday, the Socceroos defeated the Turkish team 2-0 in Vancouver during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tony Popovic's side silenced pre-match doubters with a commanding performance.
- Turkish midfielder Hakan claimed his side "dominated" the Socceroos, publicly declaring confidence the day before the match. His pre-game comments motivated the Australian team to prove themselves on the field.
- Nestory Irankunda scored, emulating Tim Cahill with his celebration. "We were told that there were some things said, and obviously that gave us fire in our belly," Irankunda said.
- Despite 78 per cent possession, the Turkish side failed to penetrate the Australian defense. The Socceroos executed a perfect counterattacking performance, remaining a constant threat throughout.
- The Socceroos next play the United States on Saturday as they look to seal progression to the knockout stage. Victory would advance them from the Group following their opening-match success.
36 Articles
36 Articles
Socceroos are showing the world the best of multicultural Australia
As Refugee Week begins, few stories capture its spirit better than that of Nestory Irankunda. On Sunday afternoon, Irankunda scored the opening goal in the Socceroos’ 2–0 victory over Turkiye, helping Australia make a memorable start to its 2026 World Cup campaign. It was a proud moment not only for the young footballer but for many Australians who saw their own journeys reflected in his success. Born in a refugee camp in Tanzania after his fami…
With his goal in the 2-0 victory against Turkey, Nestory Irankunda has not only enchanted all of Australia. An adventure at FC Bayern came perhaps too early, now the sprint rocket can re-start in Europe. The 20-year-old was once born in Tanzania – and could become a popular kicker on the playstation.
His role model celebrated with goal joy against the Turks
The incredible story of Australia’s World Cup hero Nestory Irankunda – the ‘next Jude Bellingham’ who was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania and played alongside Harry Kane
When Nestory Irankunda was born, the chances of him becoming Australia’s youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer were roughly equal with the tumbleweed in the Outback: zilch. Birthed in a refugee camp in Tanzania in 2006, to Burundian parents who had fled their homeland due to civil war, it was not an auspicious, nor very Aussie, opening chapter. But the 20-year-old is now a national hero Down Under after scoring the first goal in a 2-0 win against …
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