Australia spoils Turkey's World Cup return with 2-0 win

Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe secured the Group D win for the Socceroos, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach delivered an impressive performance with eight saves in the match attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Australia, making its sixth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall, took the lead in the 27th minute when Irankunda broke through Turkey’s defence and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper. The goal came shortly after a first-half hydration break.

The 20-year-old Watford forward celebrated by punching the corner flag in tribute to Australian football legend Tim Cahill. The strike also made Irankunda the youngest Australian player to score at a World Cup.

Turkey, appearing in its first World Cup since reaching the semifinals in 2002, created several opportunities but were repeatedly denied by Beach. The Australian goalkeeper produced a key save to stop a long-range effort from Abdulkerim Bardakcı moments after Irankunda’s opener.

Turkey introduced Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz at halftime in an attempt to revive its attack. Later, Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler tested Beach with a dangerous free-kick in the 57th minute, but the goalkeeper again came to Australia’s rescue.

Australia doubled its advantage in the 75th minute when Metcalfe capitalised on a turnover by Ismail Yüksek and calmly finished to seal the victory.

Coach Tony Popovic’s decision to start Beach ahead of veteran goalkeeper Matthew Ryan proved successful as the young keeper played a decisive role in preserving the clean sheet.

Turkey qualified for this year’s tournament by defeating Kosovo in a playoff after missing the previous five World Cups. This marks only the country’s third appearance at the global showpiece, having first qualified in 1954.

Australia, meanwhile, advanced to the Round of 16 at the last World Cup in Qatar after defeating Tunisia and Denmark in the group stage before being eliminated by eventual champions Argentina, reports UNB.

The teams are competing in Group D alongside the United States and Paraguay. The United States opened its campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday.