Australian football legend Ange Postecoglou was full of praise for young winger Nestory Irankunda after his spectacular strike against Turkey during the 2026 World Cup.

Postecoglou expressed his admiration at half-time as Australia led 1-0 in their crucial Group D encounter. Turkey came into the contest in excellent form, with six wins in their previous seven matches, largely achieved during the World Cup qualifiers.

In contrast, Australia’s recent record had been less impressive, managing just two victories from their last seven fixtures, with four defeats in between. However, Irankunda’s moment of brilliance turned the tide of the game.

Despite Turkey dominating possession and shots — holding 69% of the ball and registering 10 shots compared to Australia’s four — the Socceroos went into the break with a one-goal advantage, courtesy of their 20-year-old star.

In the 27th minute, Irankunda, playing on the left flank for Watford, produced a dazzling solo effort reminiscent of Luis Suarez’s famous goal against Norwich. Collecting a pass on the left, he deftly flicked the ball past his marker to cut inside and then calmly slotted the ball inside the near post with his right foot.

At just 20 years and 124 days old, Irankunda became the youngest Australian ever to score at the World Cup — a milestone that could mark a defining moment in his career.

Speaking during the interval, Postecoglou was effusive in his praise for the youngster’s display. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager remarked, “It doesn’t matter what level of football you’re playing — if you have this kind of pace, you’ll always be dangerous.”

He added, “That’s exactly what Popovic would have wanted. Australia have always been a threat on the counterattack, and that goal was a perfect example of it.”

Reflecting on the wider implications of the achievement, Postecoglou concluded, “Sometimes in World Cups, you just need a couple of good weeks, and your entire world changes.”