Australia 2-0 Türkiye: Irankunda and Metcalfe seal winning start in Vancouver | OneFootball

Standings provided bySofascore

Australia began their World Cup campaign with a memorable 2-0 win over a dominant Türkiye side to rise to second place in Group D at BC Place in Vancouver.

Nestory Irankunda’s and Connor Metcalfe’s goals in either half secured three points in Australia’s opening World Cup clash, with favourites Türkiye unable to reach a ninth game unbeaten on a night won by the Socceroos’ textbook counter-attack.

Irankunda became Australia’s youngest ever World Cup goalscorer after cooly slotting home in the 27th minute and Türkiye dialing up the pressure Metcalfe sealed it with 15 minutes to go to round off a gameplan executed to perfection.

As it happened

Türkiye settled with early possession in Vancouver, as young superstar, Arda Güler, was hoping to be the one to ignite the spark for his side as he bent wide of the post from range.

It was Australia’s prodigy, however, that would steal the limelight.

The Real Madrid winger would rue a chance when his first time effort was grasped into the palms of Patrick Beach, who was then centerment to launching a perfectly executed counter-attack to take the lead.

20-year-old Irankunda kept his composure in front of goal to drive the ball smartly into the near post, becoming the Socceroos’ youngest ever goalscorer at the World Cup.

Türkiye and Abdülkerim Bardakci were almost able to respond in perfect fashion, when the centre-back’s powerful strike was tipped superbly onto the post by Beach, who was making his first competitive start.

The Melbourne City shot-stopper was a surprise starter over the experienced Mathew Ryan, yet his performance repaid the faith to Tony Popovic.

The well-organised and drilled back three defence of Australia was proving difficult for Türkiye to bypass, with Vincenzo Montella’s side being forced into long range efforts, as Guler had his whipped effort from a free kick denied.

Kenan Yildiz of Juventus had made a difference off the bench for Türkiye with an injection of energy, yet the Aussies continued to hold firm and frustrate their opponents.

Beach was determined to earn a clean sheet, producing a crucial strong wrist at his near post to turn Zeki Çelik’s attempt behind.

Australia’s game plan had been working to a tee and it got even sweeter for the Aussies in the 75th minute when Connor Metcalfe doubled their lead.

The right winger drove into acres of space and was allowed the opportunity to let fly, finding the corner superbly from 25 yards out.

The impressive defensive display from Australia continued, with Beach certainly making a name for himself on his World Cup debut. It was an unforgettable evening for the 22-year-old.

Australia were able to wrap up all three points, which now puts them in a great position to fight for the top spot in Group D with USA, who they will face next in Washington in five days time.

For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.