AfriPulse
Tete Yengi scored his maiden goal, helping the Socceroos secure a draw against Switzerland in their final preparation match ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The Swiss, ranked 19th in the world, largely controlled the game at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium, especially during the first half. Swiss winger Dan Ndoye opened the scoring in the 14th minute, setting the tone for the match.
Despite facing continuous pressure, the Socceroos emerged more resilient after halftime. Nestory Irankunda proved to be Australia’s most formidable player on the field.
Australia’s strategy involved utilizing direct long passes and counter-attacks to carve out opportunities, which paid off when Yengi netted the equalizer in the 56th minute.
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Centre-back Cameron Burgess put a long-ball forward to midfielder Connor Metcalfe, who then squared the ball for a Yengi to slide in.
Debutant Cristian Volpato, who switched allegiance from Italy, headlined the youthful starting line-up, though he made little impact on the game.
Volpato started as a right-sided attacker and grew into the first half as he spent more time in inside pockets, before being substituted at halftime.
Yengi also started on debut among seven changes, with Harry Souttar captaining Australia for the first time and the impressive Patrick Beach in goal.
In the fourth minute, Irankunda forced a corner then whipped in the corner that Yengi glanced wide.
Then Switzerland started to turn the screws, with Beach denying Ndoye in the eighth and 12th minutes.
But two minutes later, Granit Xhaka sliced through the Australian defensive lines with a wonderful ball and this time Ndoye had the quality to trap the ball then fire past Beach.
The Socceroos started to find a foothold in the game after the drinks break.
Australia came desperately close to scoring in the 45th minute when Volpato curled in a wicked free kick to the back post and Souttar rose highest but turned his header over the bar.
At halftime, coach Tony Popovic brought on Metcalfe for Volpato among several changes.
Four minutes into the second half, Irankunda won the ball with a powerful challenge, burst forward and let rip with a venomous strike that Kobel tipped onto the bar.
The Socceroos kept growing into the game and 10 minutes later, the well-deserved goal to Yengi arrived in a hurry.
Popovic emptied his bench and the Socceroos held on through a Swiss flurry, including Cedric Itten turning a late header over the bar.
With an average age of 24.6, the team was the youngest side played by Popovic.
Switzerland ended the match with 63 per cent possession, nine shots to five and seven corners to two.
Speaking after the match, Yengi said it was “an amazing feeling” to score his first goal on debut.
“You work hard for moments like this and I’m happy to help the team today and get my first game, first of all, and also my first goal,” he said.
Tete Yengi celebrating with the Socceroos after scoring his debut goal. Source: Getty / Orlando Ramirez
“To be out here on the pitch, one week away from the World Cup, you can only dream of moments like this. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and hopefully we can go into the World Cup with a positive.”
Popovic said his side stepped up in the second half.
“I think it’s nice that we got a result in the end. We’re playing a very strong nation, so I’m pleased about that,” he said.
“Good response in the second half. Lot of different players on the field, and the young boys acquitted themselves well.
“I think this all plays a part in the experience for the players.
“It’s nice not to have any injuries after this game, that was the most important part. We were competitive and we scored a really nice goal, so I’m happy and looking forward to next week.”
The game was the final warm-up for the Socceroos before they take on Türkiye in their first World Cup group match in Vancouver on Sunday 14 June AEST.
— With additional reporting by Australian Associated Press.
You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS , SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand .
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