Kroupi scored a brilliant half-volley to hand the Cherries the halftime lead, in a first half that lacked quality at Molineux.
Alex Scott did well to cut out a pass out from the back, he beat Joao Gomes with a drop of the shoulder before playing the ball into the feet of Amine Adli.
Match report and reaction:
The Moroccan flicked the ball onto Kroupi who took one touch before powering the ball into the roof of the net with a sensational strike from the edge of the box.
There were few chances for either side up to that point, and Iraola told the Daily Echo that the first goal was going to be vital.
(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
“I think until our goal, the game was being very flat,” he said.
“Very flat. Not really very big chances for any of the teams and you couldn't smell where the game was going to go.
“And it's obvious that to score the first goal is key in this kind of games. And luckily for us, Junior was the one who had the moment of brilliance.”
Kroupi, who Iraola has said is, for him, a number nine, has been deployed in the number ten role of late to ensure that the Cherries can play with both him and Evanilson.
The Brazilian is key in the Bournemouth press, and brings a profile that is vitally important for the way Iraola wants to play.
But Kroupi’s excellent start to life in a Cherries shirt has meant Iraola has sought to get both into the team, and it has been working well in recent weeks.
(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
On the 19-year-old’s performance at Molineux, Iraola said: “I think with Junior Kroupi we know that he has this kind of finish.
“I think we are insisting and we are trying to work with him in other areas of the game so he allows us to put him next to Evanilson playing almost like a double number nine.
“But we are going to lose probably in the pressing intensity or in the duels or comparing with Alex Scott or Ryan Christie or Alex Toth or players that are more like kind of midfielders.
“But we will win on threat close to the box. His work rate is giving us the chance to keep him on the pitch with next to Eva.”