The Japan Times - From refugees to World Cup for exciting Australian duo

Australia head to North America and a tricky Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkey and co-hosts the United States in buoyant mood.

They are unbeaten in 11 games stretching back to September 2024 and aiming to go beyond the last 16 for the first time.

In Qatar four years ago they gave eventual champions Argentina a scare in the round of 16 before going out in a brave 2-1 defeat orchestrated by Lionel Messi.

Former Crystal Palace defender Popovic -- who took over from Graham Arnold in 2024 -- has a squad without glamour names, but there is plenty of talent plying their trade in England, Scotland and Europe.

Goalkeeper and skipper Mat Ryan, 34, has played for more than a dozen clubs including Brighton, Real Sociedad, Lens and currently La Liga's Levante.

He will be at his fourth World Cup, adding to his 103 caps and marshalling a relatively young squad.

While Ryan brings experience, Norwich City striker Toure and Watford winger Irankunda will be at their first, and their raw potential excites Popovic.

"I believe that they can make an impact at the World Cup... they have the quality and they've shown that when they're on the pitch, they're showing that they belong in this environment," he said recently.

"If that continues we've got two really good young, talented players that could hopefully shine at the World Cup."

Irankunda, 20, has rapidly matured since moving to Watford last year after a steep learning curve with Bayern Munich, where he struggled for game time.

He underlined his talent with a 25-minute cameo in Australia's last match -- a 5-1 win over fellow World Cup qualifiers Curacao where he scored a terrific five-minute brace.

He celebrated by donning a white glove and busting out a Michael Jackson-inspired jig.

"I'm always focused, always want to always make an impact, and always want to play well," said the exciting Irankunda, who scored four goals and had four assists in his debut season in England.

"And he (Popovic) has the belief in me. And with his belief, I'm able to do what I do, which is score from open play now."

Toure, 22, has also impressed since being snapped up by Norwich from Danish club Randers this year, scoring five goals in his first four matches to be named EFL Young Player of the Month in February.

Injury hampered his rise but he bagged a hat-trick on his return in April against Bristol City and finished the season in England's second tier with nine goals in 11 games.

- Refugee beginnings -

Toure and Irankunda are good friends and have a lot in common, with both of them refugees.

Toure was born at a camp in Guinea to Liberian parents while Irankunda was born a Burundian in Tanzania.

They ended up in South Australia and began their careers at A-League club Adelaide United.

"It would mean a lot to me and my family," Toure said about representing Australia at the World Cup.

"It's the country that gave us the opportunity to live, so I think it would be the best way to pay back and do what I love at the top level."

Whether the pair start or are used off the bench remains to be seen.

But Ryan said Popovic was a coach who was prepared to give players a chance regardless of experience.

"Tony has showed in his selection for games throughout his career as national team coach so far that if he perceives someone to be ready, then he puts them in and gives them an opportunity," he said.

"And then it's down to the player to take those opportunities.

"Competition is what makes us the strongest team that we can be," he added. "It always brings the best out of one another, and it's a healthy thing to have within the side."

Australia open their World Cup against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13.

Y.Hara--JT