Irankunda saves Watford with another stunner
Australia young gun Nestory Irankunda pulled off a second world-class free-kick in as many weeks as his late goal salvaged a point for Watford in a 2-2 draw against Southampton in the EFL Championship.
The 19-year-old celebrated his return to the Socceroos squad with another stunning strike from outside the box after winning the free-kick himself with barely 10 minutes of the match left to play.
After scoring, Irankunda ran to the fans, pulling of a trademark backflip celebration on route to the corner flag.
Cameron Archer had given the Saints an early lead in the 10th minute, and it stayed 1-0 up to the half-time interval.
A formation change from Watford manager Paulo Pezzolano for the second half eventually paid dividends as his 4-3-3 produced an equaliser on 65 minutes through Kwadwo Baah, who smashed the ball home after being found superbly by Rocco Vata.
Southampton pushed forward again and was back in front on 78 minutes courtesy of a Ryan Manning free-kick.
But Irankunda wasn't going to be outdone by the visitors.
As the clock ticked down, he won possession with a strong challenge in the middle of the park and carried the ball with pace to the edge of the Saints penalty area, where he was clumsily brought down by Shea Charles, who was struggling to keep up with the pacey teenager.
That gave Irankunda the opportunity he needed from the set-piece, and he did not disappoint, firing over the Southampton wall and beyond goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu into the top right-hand corner as Vicarage Road erupted in delight.
The upcoming international window is Irankunda's first call-up under Socceroos boss Tony Popovic since playing against China and Japan in October last year.
While he was overlooked as Australia sealed direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup next year, if he continues in this form, it will be hard or Popovic to leave him off his teamsheet.
"Scored the week before, same goal, and happy to get the goal again from a free-kick," Irankunda said after the game.
"People were asking for a backflip and I promised them I'll do backflip."
Pezzolano said there could be plenty more to come from the Australian.
“We knew about Nestory’s quality,” he said. “He showed that at his other teams.
“We didn’t expect those free-kicks in such a short time, but we knew he was a very good taker.
“The most important thing is for him to keep on working. He hasn’t accomplished anything yet, and we know he has so much more to give.”
