FT: Australia 2-0 Türkiye
Australia made a perfect start to their FIFA World Cup Group D campaign with a 2-0 victory over Türkiye at BC Place on Sunday.
Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a superb finish on the counter-attack before Connor Metcalfe sealed the win in the 75th minute with a powerful low strike from outside the penalty area.
Irankunda’s goal was a historic moment for Australia. At 20 years and 125 days, he became the country’s youngest World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Brett Holman’s record from 2010.
The opening goal came after goalkeeper Patrick Beach, making a surprise Socceroos debut ahead of Mat Ryan, saved from Arda Guler before quickly launching a counter-attack. Australia moved the ball forward at speed, and Irankunda cut inside before firing a right-footed shot into the net.
Türkiye controlled large periods of the match and created several chances, but Beach produced an impressive performance in goal. He tipped Abdulkerim Bardakci’s long-range effort onto the post and later denied Guler from a free-kick before saving again from Zeki Celik in the second half.
Australia remained dangerous on the break and doubled their lead 15 minutes from time. Metcalfe won possession in midfield, drove forward and struck a left-footed shot into the bottom corner to secure the points.
The result gave Tony Popovic’s youthful side a memorable start to the tournament. Australia fielded several World Cup debutants and produced one of the strongest performances of the early group stage.
Türkiye, playing at the World Cup for the first time since 2002, will be disappointed after failing to turn their possession and chances into goals.
Australia now join the United States on three points at the top of Group D. They will face the USA in Seattle on Friday, while Türkiye will meet Paraguay in San Francisco on Saturday.
