Novocastrians have well and truly caught World Cup fever after the Socceroos pulled off a sensational victory to kick off their campaign at the weekend.
With several local venues staging FIFA parties, and screening all the football action, the steel city celebrated in style when Australia put the boot into Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sunday 14 June.
The Newcastle Weekly-sponsored event at The Happy Wombat also drew a big turnout, with enthusiasts cheering on the Aussies long before the game started.
But, all the attention was focused on the Socceroos as Nestory Irankunda made the World Cup stage his own.
Tony Popovic’s youngsters have one foot in the knockout stage after the 20-year-old became Australia’s youngest goalscorer with a wonderful strike in the 27th minute, before Hunter junior Connor Metcalfe sealed victory with a glorious solo effort in the 75th.
The win sets up an enthralling clash with co-hosts the United States, who beat Paraguay 4-1 and lead Group D ahead of the Socceroos, in Seattle on Friday.
It was the first time Australia captured an opening group stage match since 2006.
Popovic, who became the inaugural Socceroo to play and coach at a World Cup, was rewarded for his bold calls to start Irankunda and pick Patrick Beach over captain Maty Ryan and Paul Okon-Engstler over Jackson Irvine.
Beach was wonderful – making a stunning fingertip save to turn Abdulkerim Bardakci’s fierce strike onto the post on the half-hour mark, then denying Real Madrid star Arda Guler’s dipping free kick in the 57th.
The 22-year-old also denied Kerem Akturkoglu at point-blank range in the 78th, then batted away a free kick from captain Hakan Calhanoglu – who had said Turkey was more talented than Australia – in the 85th in front of 52,497 supporters.
There were 10 World Cup debutants in the starting line-up, and an average age of 24.6, with captain on the night Harry Souttar the only player to have previously experienced the tournament.
But, no-one will be questioning Popovic now.
The Socceroos weren’t overwhelmed at the start, however took some time to work their way into the contest.
At the first drinks break, Popovic had an animated chat with Irankunda, then another with the entire group.
Minutes later, Beach quickly worked the ball to Cameron Burgess, who found Okon-Engstler.
The 21-year-old cleverly lofted the ball over the Turkey defensive lines for Irankunda, who, with a brilliant first touch took out Merih Demiral, before finishing beautifully.
He ran to the corner flag and boxed it, in a tribute to the famous celebration of Socceroos great Tim Cahill – his idol growing up.
Turkey called on Juventus star Kenan Yildiz at half0-time in a bid to turn the tide.
Souttar had a header batted away by Cakir in the 54th but, between Beach’s heroics, Metcalfe went on an incredible weaving run before skidding an unstoppable shot inside the near post.
Australia’s brilliantly desperate defence would not be bested from there, despite a late Turkey barrage.
- With AAP
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