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Big Gun Cameos Seal Socceroos' World Cup Send-Off Win
Nestory Irankunda scored twice in a late surge as the Socceroos overturned a 1-1 tie to win 5-1 in their final home match before the World Cup, with 16,764 fans present.
- On Tuesday, the Socceroos secured a 5-1 victory over Curacao at AAMI Park in Melbourne, serving as Australia's final home match before the World Cup.
- After Curacao equalized in the 50th minute, Australia coach Tony Popovic introduced forward Nestory Irankunda, defender Jordy Bos, and midfielder Riley McGree in the 66th minute, immediately shifting momentum.
- In front of 16,764 fans, Irankunda netted two goals, while defender Alessandro Circati and Bos added to the tally, though midfielder Ajdin Hrustic limped off with a hamstring strain before halftime.
- Praising his substitutes' decisive impact, coach Popovic said, "I guess they turned the game," as the victory provided strong momentum before the World Cup opener on June 13.
- Socceroos captain Mat Ryan noted the squad is competing for selection, stating, "Everyone's trying to put their best foot forward," as the team heads overseas for final World Cup preparations.
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Less than three months after his 2026 World Cup debut in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the Curaçao team was hit 1-5 by Australia in a friendly match in Melbourne.
Australia's national team won March, on its own ground, score 5-1, selected from Curacao, in a World Cup 2026 preparatory game.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left3Leaning Right5Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Right
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Right
42% Right
L 25%
C 33%
R 42%
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