Ange Postecoglou was full of praise for Nestory Irankunda at half-time of Australia's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D clash against Turkey — a match the Socceroos entered as significant underdogs but currently lead 1-0.

Turkey had come into the fixture in commanding form, winning six of their last seven matches, the bulk of them in World Cup qualifying. Australia, by contrast, had managed only two wins from their previous seven outings, suffering four defeats along the way.

Irankunda's moment of magic

Despite Turkey dominating proceedings — recording 69 percent possession and 10 shots to Australia's four — a single moment of brilliance from the 20-year-old Watford winger turned the contest on its head.

In the 27th minute, Irankunda collected the ball on the left flank and produced a dazzling solo run. He stretched to flick a bouncing ball back inside the covering defender before cutting central, then delicately tucked a right-footed finish just inside the left post.

The goal made Irankunda Australia's youngest ever World Cup goalscorer at 20 years and 124 days old — a record that underlines just how extraordinary the moment was.

Postecoglou's verdict

Speaking at the interval, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager offered a glowing assessment of the strike and what it could mean for Irankunda's career.