Plenty of promise for Australia despite last-32 World Cup exit

Australia will return home from the World Cup feeling their exit was premature after a Friday penalty shootout loss to Egypt. The Socceroos lost 1-1 in regulation but were beaten in the shootout, ending their run after failing to advance in the last 32. Reuters notes the team began strongly with a 2-0 win over Turkey, powered by 20-year-old Nestory Irankunda and a long-range strike from midfielder Connor Metcalfe, 26. After that, Australia scored no more goals, going down 2-0 to the United States, drawing 0-0 with Paraguay, and finishing 1-1 versus Egypt via Mohamed Hany’s own goal. Coach Tony Popovic highlighted young performers, including teenager Lucas Herrington and wingback Jordan Bos, the latter injured before halftime against Egypt, while also pointing to the need for more regular club minutes over the next cycles.