Connor Metcalfe: I'm still buzzing

Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe said that he was still buzzing after scoring the team's second goal in their 2-0 victory over Türkiye on Sunday (AEST).

Metcalfe became the eleventh man to score at a FIFA World Cup™ for Australia with a fantastic left-footed strike from outside the penalty area to seal the result.

Read what he had to say to media the day after the historic three points below.

new_kit_banner_v2.jpg

Buzzing with Adrenaline

I've not had the greatest of sleeps! I don't know, it's crazy - to score, to get the win. You couldn't ask for a better start, could you? The amount of messages I've received, the fact that my family, my loved ones could be there was super special. It's a memory I'll never forget.

I probably had the same feeling the fans get when they see the ball go in. I saw it go in and I just closed my eyes. At first I thought I'm going to take my shirt off - but then I realised I don't really want to get a yellow! So then I just ended up going for the classic knee slide.

I'm still buzzing - like, a bloody World Cup goal, it's pretty sick. Give it a couple more days, and then I'll be back.

Reflections on Türkiye

They had majority of possession, they had a bunch of shots - but the performance we put on was probably been one of our best, to be honest. The clarity and the calmness that we had defensively, and the fact that we punished them for not being defensively aware. They're a good side, they've got good quality, and we'll see how they go in the next games.

The performance of Patrick Beach

When we found out, we were a bit surprised, but at the same time, we understand how good Beachy is, and not for a second did we doubt his ability. We know how good of a goalkeeper he is, and he smashed it, so I'm super proud of him.

Connor Metcalfe


Connection with the team

It's quite refreshing to be honest, having that much faith and trust from the coach. It's really nice, and I think with my connection with Mo [Toure] and Ness [Irankunda] - I can bring a calmness and a bit more tactical awareness, and I can help in the front third defensively.

Support from the fans

We saw [the videos] last night, and the scenes were incredible. Especially for the one in Adelaide, Nestory's goal would have been pretty cool for them. And then the Fed square one, it was really cool. It's just so nice to see the fans getting around it. Even last night in the stadium I was actually quite shocked at how many Aussies were there, so it was an awesome atmosphere, and I love it.

Momentum heading into game two

[The win is] the best start we could possibly get. Before the game we spoke about believing in ourselves and just enjoying the moment, and for a lot of boys it didn't feel like we were nervous at all at the start of the game. The fact that we started well really set us up, and we're going to go into the next game full of energy, full of confidence.

FIFA World Cup Canada, Mexico, United States 2026™ - Australia's Group D Matches

Australia 2-0 Türkiye

Goals: Nestory Irankunda 27', Connor Metcalfe 75'
Date: Saturday, 13 June 
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada 
Kick-off: 9:00pm local / 2:00pm AEST (Sunday, 14 June) 
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand

USA v Australia

Date: Friday, 19 June 
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USA 
Kick-off: 12:00pm local / 5:00am AEST (Saturday, 20 June) 
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand

Paraguay v Australia

Date: Thursday, 25 June 
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, USA 
Kick-off: 7:00pm local / 12:00pm AEST (Friday, 26 June)   
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand