Australian Teenager Daniel Bennie Scores Spectacular Debut Goal for Queens Park Rangers
Australian youth international Daniel Bennie announced his arrival in the English Championship with a stunning long-range goal, helping Queens Park Rangers secure a vital 3-1 victory over Hull City on Saturday. The 19-year-old former Perth Glory winger, who entered the match as a substitute just four minutes earlier, blasted a shot from outside the box into the top corner in the 84th minute at the MKM Stadium.
Bennie's Moment of Brilliance
"I'm just buzzing, it's been a long time coming ... it's the best feeling in the world," said an elated Bennie after the match. "It just dropped to me on the edge of the box and I was just like, why not hit it, and it just went top corner." The goal not only sealed the win but also showcased the young Australian's confidence and skill on a significant stage.
This performance comes after Bennie helped Australia's Young Socceroos achieve U20 Asian Cup glory in February 2025, highlighting his rising talent in international football. The victory moves QPR up to 13th place in the Championship standings with 47 points, positioning them just four points away from the playoff spots and seven points behind fifth-placed Hull City.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Socceroos in Championship Action
While Bennie shone, it was a quieter night for other Australian attackers aiming to impress Socceroos coach Tony Popovic ahead of next month's World Cup warm-up matches against Cameroon and Curacao. In-form Norwich City striker Mohamed Toure was substituted in the 71st minute during a 2-1 home loss to Birmingham City, unable to add to his impressive tally of five goals in three games since joining the club.
Norwich manager Philippe Clement expressed frustration over refereeing decisions, including a denied penalty when Toure went down and close offside calls on both Birmingham goals. "Referees are human. They can't see everything, and it's a shame they don't get the help this league deserves from VAR," Clement stated. "I think the Championship is one of the top eight leagues in Europe, but it doesn't have VAR, so sometimes you have conclusions like this."
Elsewhere, Nestory Irankunda was replaced late in Watford's 2-0 home win over Derby County, while Adrian Segecic came off the bench in the 70th minute as Portsmouth defeated promotion-chasing Millwall 3-1. Portsmouth's back-to-back league wins for the first time this season lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone.
At the top of the table, Riley McGree played the final half hour but could not help Middlesbrough break through in a 0-0 home draw with Oxford United, leaving Boro in second place, three points behind Coventry City after their 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion.
