Australian boss Tony Popovic said that he was “full of awe” of the second half of Nestory Irankunda after the Socceroos New Zealand defeated 3-1 in Auckland.
Mohamed Toure scored twice for the visitors in Auckland, where Irankunda went on the hand shortly after the break. While Chris Wood was on a goal for New Zealand, they were left to restore missed opportunities.
When retaining the football axis, the side of Popovic only collected 0.84 expected goals (XG) of 13 attempts, compared to 1.16 of Nieuw -Zeeland van Acht Schoten.
Australia remains unbeaten in their last 11 races in general, after they have confirmed their qualification for the World Cup next year in that period.
FT | Goals of Mo Toure (35 ′, 60 ′) and Nestor Irankunda (54 ′) protect the #Soccerashes In front of the Commank #Socceroos! #Nzlvaus #Forvergolden pic.twitter.com/1yhzniqyoh
– Commank Socceroos (@socceroos) September 9, 2025
“I think that trust and positivity with the ball was crucial and trust under pressure because they pressed us like in the previous game,” said Popovic.
About the excellent solo effort of Irankunda, the boss of Australia said: “I am awe for that strike. I saw him do a few in training.
“He is a special talent, he has a special shot and we will talk about all the great things he does with the ball, but what is most pleasant for me is how hard he worked.
“That is overlooked a bit, but what I have seen at Watford this year is ripens and understands that you have to work for the team and you have to defend.”
While New Zealand lost their third consecutive game, it was a memorable day for Luke Brooke-Smith, who made his debut.
“I am happy. I am happy that the boys trusted me with the ball. I have to go on the ball a few times. I was told to run at them and to do my best, and that is what I did,” said the 17-year-old wing player.
“Of course we were a pity with the result, but it is such a great feeling.
“I am so grateful that they trust me to get the minutes on the field, and hopefully it will be more next time.”
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