Australia shocked favored Turkey and opened the World Cup with a victory

Although the Turks had the initiative for most of the game, creating chances and controlling possession, the Australians showed exceptional discipline in defense and brutal efficiency on the counter-attack.

Turkey imposed a high rhythm from the very beginning. Already in the third minute, Hakan Çalhanoğlu was the first to threaten, but his attempt ended up in the block. Vincenzo Montella’s team continued to press, while the Australians patiently waited for the opportunity to make quick transitions.

The Turks had the best chance in the first half in the 30th minute when Abdülkerim Bardakcı hit the post with a powerful shot from 25 meters.

The penalty for the misses came three minutes earlier. After an untapped opportunity by Turkey and a great defense by the Australian goalkeeper Beach, there followed a lightning counter. Nestory Irankunda raced down the left side, broke free from the keeper and scored with a precise shot to give Australia a 1:0 lead.

Into the history books you go, Nestory Irankunda

Just 20 years of age#Socceroos #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/0g1ZwBZBgn

— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 14, 2026

Before the break, Australia could have scored a second goal, but in the 45th minute, Irankunda shot straight at the goalkeeper from a good position.

The second half did not change the balance of power on the field either. Turkey continued to dominate and create chances. Arda Güler took a great free kick in the 57th minute, but Beach once again made a fantastic intervention.

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Australia’s goalkeeper was also indomitable in the 72nd minute when he stopped Celik’s powerful shot after an excellent pass from Çalhanoğlu. Just a few minutes later, he also saved Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s attempt from close range.

While the Turks missed opportunities, the Australians once again showed how to punish the opponent’s mistakes. In the 75th minute, they won the ball in the middle of the field and started a new fast counterattack. The ball reached Connor Metcalfe, who stepped forward and scored a great shot from about twenty meters for the final 2:0.

Until the end of the match, Turkey could not find a way to the net, so Australia registered an extremely valuable victory at the start of the group stage of the World Cup.

The Australians have thus taken a big step towards placing in the knockout phase, while Turkey will have to look for points in the following games in order to stay in the race for passage.

(Vijesti.ba)