Why did Nestory Irankunda celebrate with a white glove against Curaçao?

The 20-year-old from Tanzania displayed footwork that the "King of Pop" would have admired, dribbling past defender Jurien Gaari and nutmegging goalkeeper Eloy Room for his debut goal in the 80th minute at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

After landing a gymnastic backflip, he slipped on a sequined glove tossed to him by a photographer on the pitch and performed a dance with Jackson's signature crotch-grab gesture.

Irankunda mentioned that the photographer was a friend who suggested the celebration during an Instagram chat.

"He knows I'm a huge fan of Michael Jackson and his music, and it was just great to bring it out and show people," Irankunda told reporters, highlighting "Smooth Criminal" as his top Jackson track.

Irankunda built on his initial strike by netting a second goal via a slide less than four minutes later, sealing the side's fifth tally as a parting gift to the local supporters before they travel abroad for more World Cup preparations.

Australia has been buzzing about Irankunda's potential since he became the nation's second-youngest scorer in an international match, a World Cup qualifier versus Palestine two years back.

His anticipated move to Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich fell through, leading to a loan at Swiss club Grasshopper, followed by a transfer to English Championship outfit Watford last year.

Under new Socceroos boss Tony Popovic, Irankunda was initially omitted from the first three call-ups but has since earned his spot and could emerge as Australia's sharpest attacker at the World Cup.

Popovic expressed joy at Irankunda's aggressive runs into the penalty area for his strikes, building on his prior long-distance prowess.

"We want that to continue," Popovic shared with the press.

"He's a young man that's growing in maturity, not just on the field but I think off the field."

Popovic used Irankunda as a substitute in the Socceroos' friendlies against Cameroon and Curacao to experiment with various attacking lineups.

The team lacked rhythm in both games yet gained momentum when Irankunda entered in the second half.

He aims for a starting berth at the World Cup for a squad harbouring loftier goals than their 27th global ranking suggests.

"We want to be that group that goes all the way and potentially wins the World Cup," Irankunda declared.

"No-one has the belief in us so we have the belief in ourselves."

Australia's World Cup opener is set for June 13 against either Kosovo or Turkey, decided in a playoff on Tuesday, with further clashes against Paraguay and co-hosts U.S.