Australia pulled off one of the early surprises of the World Cup on Saturday, defeating Turkey 2-0 in their Group D opener as coach Tony Popovic’s bold team selections proved decisive.
Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, combined with a superb goalkeeping display from Patrick Beach, secured a memorable victory for the Socceroos at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium.
Popovic raised eyebrows before kick-off by dropping experienced captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan in favour of Beach, who was making only his third international appearance. Vice-captain Jackson Irvine was also left out, with 21-year-old midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler handed a starting role in a side featuring 10 World Cup debutants.
The gamble paid off handsomely.
Beach delivered a string of crucial saves to frustrate a Turkish side that dominated possession and territory for long periods but failed to find a way past the inspired Australian goalkeeper.
Okon-Engstler also justified his inclusion, playing a key role in Australia’s opening goal. The young midfielder split the Turkish defence with a perfectly weighted long pass that sent Irankunda racing clear before the winger calmly slotted home.
Turkey, making their first World Cup appearance since finishing third at the 2002 tournament, arrived in North America with ambitions of a deep run, buoyed by a squad packed with players competing regularly in Europe’s elite leagues.
However, they struggled to break down a disciplined and well-organised Australian side.
One of Turkey’s best opportunities came in the 27th minute when Real Madrid star Arda Güler unleashed a powerful effort that forced Beach into a smart save.
Moments later, Australia struck.
Beach launched a quick attack by finding Okon-Engstler deep inside his own half. The midfielder’s long ball released Irankunda, whose excellent first touch took him beyond the Turkish defence before he fired a low finish into the net.
The winger celebrated by recreating former Australia captain Tim Cahill’s iconic boxing-the-corner-flag celebration.
Turkey thought they had equalised just three minutes later when Abdulkerim Bardakci’s long-range drive appeared destined for the top corner. But Beach produced another outstanding save, getting a fingertip to the ball and diverting it onto the post.
The Australian goalkeeper continued his heroics after the break, notably tipping a dangerous Güler free-kick around the post in the 57th minute.
With Turkey pressing for an equaliser, Australia sealed victory in the 75th minute. Metcalfe collected the ball in midfield, drove forward and unleashed a superb strike from 25 yards that flew into the net to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory leaves Australia level on three points with Group D leaders the United States ahead of their meeting in Seattle on Friday.
AFP
