Australia spoiled Turkiye's return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 24 years with a 2-0 victory on Saturday night in Vancouver. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored for the Socceroos, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach made eight saves in the group opener.
Match Summary
Irankunda broke the deadlock in the 27th minute with a low shot while being pursued by three defenders, just a minute after the first-half hydration break. The 20-year-old Watford player celebrated by punching the corner flag in tribute to Australian soccer legend Tim Cahill, becoming the youngest Socceroo to score at a World Cup.
Minutes later, Beach denied Abdulkerim Bardakcı's long-range effort. Beach started in goal ahead of experienced Matthew Ryan, a surprise decision by coach Tony Popovic.
Turkiye's Kenan Yildiz, a 21-year-old Juventus player, came on at halftime. Arda Güler, a 21-year-old Real Madrid attacking midfielder who was not born when Turkiye last played in a World Cup, saw his dangerous free kick saved by Beach in the 57th minute.
Metcalfe doubled Australia's lead in the 75th minute after capitalizing on Ismail Yüksek's turnover.
Group D Context
Australia is in its sixth consecutive World Cup and seventh overall. Turkiye, which reached the semifinals in 2002, qualified after missing five straight tournaments. The teams are in Group D with the United States, who defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opener.
The Socceroos fell to France in the 2022 opener but advanced to the round of 16 before losing to eventual champion Argentina.
