Socceroos midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler don make im World Cup debut wey im go remember forever. Di 21-year-old surprise starter for Australia 2-0 win over Turkiye for Vancouver, wey im papa, Paul Okon, dey di bench as assistant coach.
Okon-Engstler tell reporters say: ‘I think I put am as my best moment so far for my career. Na dream come true to participate for World Cup and start my first game.’
Im provide assist for Nestory Irankunda for di opening goal, with perfect pass wey dem don practice whole week. ‘I know Nestor capabilities and strengths. We practice dat ball di whole week, just looking up and trying to play balls behind for Mo and Nestor,’ im tok.
Di goal lead to emotional celebration, as Irankunda dedicate am to im hero Tim Cahill. Okon-Engstler run go bench celebrate wit im papa. ‘After di first goal I run over to di bench to celebrate wit dem and he was there. I see emotion for im face, and dat really touch me. Na memory wey I go cherish.’
Di young midfielder say di moment wey im walk out for BC Place pitch make am realize say im dey World Cup. ‘For di tunnel, just walking out and seeing all our fans and di noise and di crowd, and seeing all di FIFA signage, I think e really hit me say I dey World Cup.’
Australia beat Turkiye 2-0, wit Connor Metcalfe score second goal for di 75th minute. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach make eight saves for di Socceroos, wey FIFA president Gianni Infantino watch. Dis na Australia sixth straight World Cup and seventh overall.
Turkiye reach semifinal for 2002 World Cup but miss five straight tournaments before qualifying dis year by beating Kosovo for playoff. Di result put Australia level wit co-hosts United States for top of Group D, ahead of dem go face off for Seattle on Friday.
Okon-Engstler dey predict ‘epic game’ against United States. Im say di group get plenty more to show.
