Socceroos livewire Nestory Irankunda opted to channel Michael Jackson during the his side’s 5-1 win over Curacao during the final FIFA Series match at AAMI Park.
Irankunda came on as a substitute in the 67th minute, replacing Deni Juric up front and providing much needed inspiration.
At the time it was 1-1 after Curacao equalised right on half-time through Ar’jany Martha. Earlier in the first half, Awer Mabil scored his first goal for the national team since 2023.
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Awer Mabil celebrates his goal. Getty
Coach Tony Popovic had injected Jason Geria, Nishan Velupillay and Paul Okon-Engstler into the match but five minutes before the visitors’ goal.
In the 67th minute, Jordan Bos, Riley McGree, Cameron Burgess and Irankunda all came into the match, breathing life into the home side.
Almost immediately, Irankunda played a pass to Mcgree, who put in a cross for Alessandro Circati to head home his first Socceroos Goal.
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Bos scored moments later with a right-footed shot from edge of the box.
In the 80th minute, Irankunda proved why he is likely going to be the man to watch at the World Cup, showing sensational footwork before putting his shot between the legs of the goalkeeper.
The Watford attacker celebrated with some flips before he was thrown a white, sparkly glove from the sideline. Irankunda took time to get the glove on as his teammates waited before eventually showing off some Michael Jackson dance moves.
Nestory Irankunda does his Michael Jackson inspired celebration. Paramount
The 20-year-old completed the rout with a finish from the near post to seal the 5-1 win.
“He’s unstoppable,” caller Robbie Thompson said on Paramount’s coverage.
Post-match, Mabil confirmed Irankunda is “a big Michael Jackson fan”.
“Today he was telling me he’d score a hat-trick … I’m really happy for him,” he said.
The match was the last time the Socceroos play in Australia before the World Cup and was a fitting farewell.
“It’s the perfect send-off for Australia,” Thompson said.
The Socceroos finished top of the FIFA Series ladder with Cameroon second, China third and Curacao last.
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