Hunter product Connor Metcalfe has come down from “cloud nine” – and is ready to put the boot into the USA in the FIFA World Cup this weekend.
The young Socceroo was the toast of Australia, along with Nestory Irankunda, when the pair scored goals in the side’s shock 2-0 victory over Turkey in Vancouver, British Columbia.
It was the perfect start to the prestigious tournament for coach Tony Popovic’s outfit.
But, the 26-year-old, who grew up in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, admitted he’s primed for the next challenge.
Australia and the United States face off at Seattle Stadium, from 5am (AEST), on Saturday 20 June.
“Everyone was excited after the game,” Metcalfe said.
“And, we should enjoy it; it’s not every day you play in a World Cup and beat a really strong nation like Turkey.
“You could see afterwards we were super-chuffed with the result.
“However, we’re back where we need to be.
“We’ve trained hard and the full focus is on the USA.
“There’s a lot of belief in the squad.
“We had good moments against Mexico and Switzerland in the lead-ups.
“But, we enjoyed the best start we could possibly get [with Turkey].
“Before the match, we spoke about believing in ourselves and enjoying the moment.
“I think that helped.
“For many of the boys, it didn’t feel like we were nervous at all.
“Then, the fact we began well really set us up.
“So, we’re going into the USA showdown full of energy, full of confidence.”
For his part, Metcalfe sealed victory with a glorious solo effort in the 75th minute.
He went on an incredible weaving run before skidding an unstoppable shot inside the near post.
“It’s crazy to score… and to get the win,” he said.
“I mean, you couldn’t ask for a better start, could you?
“It was an unbelievable feeling, seeing the ball go in.
“I just closed my eyes and thought ‘oh my god’… I was going to take my shirt off to celebrate but then I realised I didn’t want to get a yellow card.
“So, I went for the classic knee slide instead.
“The amounts of messages I’ve received, the fact my family and loved ones could be there was super special.
“I also saw videos on social media… [of the atmosphere] here and back home.
“The scenes were incredible, especially the one in Adelaide when Ness (Irankunda) scored and the one in Federation Square.
“It’s really cool and just so nice to see the fans getting behind the team.
“Even in the stadium, I was quite shocked at how many Aussies were there.
“It’s a memory I’ll never forget.”
Here’s where you can watch the fixture in Newcastle.
For more sports stories:
- Bulldogs hoping to celebrate 100th anniversary with Pickers’ scalp
- How Dragons plan to stop Newcastle Knights gun
- Knights star Brown expecting to tackle a fired-up Dragons
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
