Tony Popovic lauded Nestory Irankunda’s stunning goal as Australia defeated New Zealand 3-1 to retain the Soccer Ashes. Mohamed Toure scored twice, while Chris Wood replied for New Zealand. Popovic praised Irankunda’s work ethic and Australia extended their unbeaten run to 11 games.
Australia's head coach, Tony Popovic, couldn't hide his admiration for Nestory Irankunda's stunning goal, describing it as "awe-inspiring," after the Socceroos secured a 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Auckland. The win ensured that Australia retained the coveted Soccer Ashes trophy.
The match saw Mohamed Toure steal the spotlight with a brace for the visitors, while Irankunda added his name to the scoresheet with a memorable strike shortly after the halftime break. New Zealand's Chris Wood managed to find the net for the home side, but their missed opportunities ultimately cost them the game.
Despite the victory, the statistics painted a slightly different picture. Popovic's team managed to accumulate just 0.84 expected goals (xG) from a total of 13 attempts, while New Zealand boasted a higher xG of 1.16 from eight shots. This suggested that while Australia were clinical in their finishing, New Zealand created more clear-cut chances.
Australia's triumph extended their unbeaten run to an impressive 11 games, a period that has also seen them secure their place in next year's World Cup. The team's confidence and positive approach with the ball were key factors in their success, according to Popovic. He also highlighted their ability to handle pressure, particularly when New Zealand pressed them high up the pitch.
Discussing Irankunda's moment of brilliance, Popovic said, "I'm in awe of that strike. I saw him do a couple of those in training." He further emphasized that Irankunda is a special talent with a remarkable shot. While acknowledging the young player's offensive capabilities, Popovic was equally pleased with Irankunda's work ethic and defensive contribution. "What is most pleasing for me is how hard he worked," Popovic noted. "That gets overlooked a fair bit, but what I've seen this year at Watford, the boy is maturing and understands that you have to work for the team and you have to defend."
FT | Goals from Mo Toure (35′, 60′) and Nestor Irankunda (54′) secure the #SoccerAshes for the CommBank #Socceroos! #NZLvAUS #ForeverGolden pic.twitter.com/1yHZniQYoh
— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) September 9, 2025
Despite the defeat, it was a day to remember for New Zealand's Luke Brooke-Smith, who made his international debut. The 17-year-old winger expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his determination to improve. "I'm happy. I'm glad the boys trusted me with the ball. I got to get on the ball a couple of times. I was told to run at them and do my best, and that's what I did," Brooke-Smith said. He acknowledged the disappointment of the result but remained optimistic about the future, saying, "Obviously, we were unfortunate with the result, but it's such a great feeling. I'm so grateful they trust me to get the minutes out on the pitch, and hopefully next time it's more." His performance offered a glimmer of hope for the future of New Zealand football.
The Socceroos' victory was not just about individual brilliance, but also about the collective effort and tactical execution. Popovic's emphasis on confidence, positivity, and resilience under pressure proved to be crucial in overcoming a determined New Zealand side. The team's ability to maintain their composure and capitalize on their chances was ultimately the difference between victory and defeat.
Looking ahead, Australia will be aiming to build on this success and continue their impressive form as they prepare for the World Cup. With a blend of experienced players and exciting young talents like Irankunda and Toure, the Socceroos have the potential to make a significant impact on the world stage. The challenge for Popovic will be to harness their individual qualities and forge them into a cohesive and formidable unit.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and address the areas where they fell short. While they created a number of promising opportunities, their finishing lacked the clinical edge of their opponents. They need to find a way to convert their chances into goals if they are to compete with the top teams in the region. The emergence of Brooke-Smith is a positive sign, but they need more players to step up and contribute if they are to achieve their ambitions.
Ultimately, this match was a testament to the enduring rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in the world of football. It was a hard-fought contest with moments of brilliance and plenty of drama. While Australia emerged victorious on this occasion, both teams can take pride in their performance and look forward to the next chapter in this historic sporting rivalry.