Nestory Irankunda scored the first of two world-class goals, leading Australia to a stunning victory over Turkey despite the latter dominating possession. The crowd erupted in celebration, a moment captured by photographer Andrew Chin.
As One Nation surges in the polls, Bertin Huynh reflects on the love Australians show for Irankunda, a refugee from Tanzania, and the complexities of multiculturalism. Huynh notes that Irankunda is only 20 and should not bear the weight of representing all refugees.
A Victory for Multiculturalism?
Watching the match at Federation Square in Melbourne, Huynh recalled comments about refugees from his previous writing, where people praised his parents as the 'right kind' of refugee. After Irankunda's goals, fans celebrated, with one shouting, 'Nestory Irankunda, have my children!' and another commenting, 'This is for the real Aussies.'
Huynh questions whether this celebration stems from exceptionalism, wondering if the same love would be shown if Irankunda had not overcome odds. He draws parallels to the racist abuse faced by Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka after England's Euro 2020 loss.
The Shadow of One Nation
The rise of One Nation alarms Huynh, as Pauline Hanson scapegoats migrants for housing and cost-of-living issues. He recalls Hanson's past rhetoric about Asians 'swamping' Australia and forming ghettoes. Today, areas like Cabramatta are celebrated for their cultural richness, but the trauma of Vietnamese refugees is often forgotten.
Huynh reflects on the pressure to be a 'model minority'—to work hard and stay quiet. He argues that multiculturalism must be defended not only in victory but also in defeat, and that Irankunda's talent should not be the sole measure of acceptance.
As Australia prepares to face the United States as underdogs, Huynh emphasizes that win or lose, the players deserve celebration for representing the nation's diversity.
