Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe found the net as Australia marked Turkey’s return to the FIFA World Cup after a 24-year absence with a convincing 2-0 win.
Goalkeeper Patrick Beach starred for the Socceroos with eight saves in their Group D opener, watched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Australia is competing in its sixth consecutive World Cup and seventh overall appearance.
Turkey, which famously reached the semifinals in 2002, failed to qualify for the next five editions before securing a place at this year’s tournament with a playoff victory over Kosovo.
Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute, racing through and firing a low finish despite pressure from three defenders. The goal came less than a minute after the first-half hydration break.
The 20-year-old Watford forward celebrated by punching the corner flag in homage to Australian great Tim Cahill. His strike also made him the youngest player ever to score for the Socceroos at a World Cup.
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Turkey nearly responded soon after, but Beach produced an excellent save to deny Abdulkerim Bardakci’s long-range effort. Beach’s inclusion ahead of veteran goalkeeper Matthew Ryan was one of coach Tony Popovic’s biggest selection surprises. Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, 21, began the match on the bench before entering at halftime for Turkey.
The Turks threatened again in the 57th minute from a dangerous free kick, but Arda Güler’s effort was comfortably handled by Beach. The 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder was born after Turkey’s previous World Cup appearance.
Australia sealed the result in the 75th minute when Connor Metcalfe punished a costly turnover by Ismail Yüksek and doubled the advantage.
The Socceroos also lost their opening match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before rebounding with wins over Tunisia and Denmark to reach the Round of 16, where eventual champions Argentina ended their campaign.
This tournament marks only Turkey’s third World Cup appearance, having previously qualified in 1954 and 2002. Australia and Turkey share Group D with the United States and Paraguay. The Americans opened their campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday in Los Angeles.
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