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SPO:Irankunda heroics vindicate bold coach in Socceroo win

A scared Nestory Irankunda batted away nerves to explode on to the World Cup stage and vindicate coach Tony Popovic's faith in him by inspiring Australia's incredible 2-0 win over Turkey.

Australia have one foot in the knockout phase after one of their greatest ever victories, their first opening group-stage win since 2006, on Saturday night (Sunday AEST) at Vancouver's BC Place.

Irankunda became Australia's youngest World Cup scorer with a wonderful goal in the 27th minute among a magical, explosive hour, before Connor Metcalfe sealed victory with a glorious solo effort in the 75th.

"It's epic. It's unreal. Like, it's a dream come true," Irankunda told SBS.

"People underestimate us a lot, and we showed them today that we can play.

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