VANCOUVER - Australia and Scotland launched their World Cup campaigns with vital victories on Saturday, while tournament heavyweights Brazil were held by Morocco and Qatar secured a dramatic late draw against Switzerland in an action-packed day across North America.
Australia Defeats Turkey 2-0
Australia spoiled Turkey’s long-awaited return to the World Cup with a clinical 2-0 victory in Group D at Vancouver. Goals from rising star Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe ensured the Socceroos made a winning start despite being heavily outplayed in possession. Turkey, appearing in the tournament for the first time since their memorable 2002 semi-final run, dominated large portions of the match, enjoying 72 percent possession and outshooting Australia 30-9. However, goalkeeper Patrick Beach produced a series of outstanding saves to frustrate the Turks.
Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Metcalfe punished a defensive error midway through the second half to seal the win. The result leaves Australia level on points with the United States, who defeated Paraguay 4-1 on Friday.
Scotland Edges Haiti 1-0
In Group C, Scotland marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. John McGinn scored the decisive goal in the 28th minute when his effort deflected off a defender and beyond goalkeeper Johny Placide. The win gave Scotland their first World Cup victory since 1990 and lifted Steve Clarke’s side to the top of the group after Brazil and Morocco shared the points earlier in the day. Haiti pushed strongly for an equaliser in the second half but failed to convert several promising opportunities, leaving them still searching for their first World Cup point.
Brazil Held to 1-1 Draw by Morocco
Meanwhile, Brazil were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against an impressive Morocco side in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round. Morocco stunned the five-time world champions when Ismael Saibari chipped goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give the Atlas Lions a deserved early lead after dominating the opening exchanges. Brazil responded through Vinícius Júnior, whose superb strike in the 32nd minute restored parity. Both teams created chances in an entertaining contest, but neither could find a winner as the points were shared at MetLife Stadium before a crowd of more than 80,000 spectators.
Qatar Earns Historic Point with Late Equalizer
In Santa Clara, Qatar earned the first World Cup point in their history with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty appeared set to hand the Swiss victory, but Boualem Khoukhi headed home deep into stoppage time to spark wild celebrations among the Qatari players and supporters. The late equaliser rescued a memorable result for Qatar and capped a thrilling day of World Cup action that produced high drama, surprise results and significant movement in the group standings.
Ewing Hall to be restored as heritage building
