Australia secured a surprise 2-0 victory over Turkey in their Group D World Cup opener on Saturday at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium. The win spoiled Turkey's return to the World Cup stage after 24 years.
Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe each scored a goal in different halves to seal the victory. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach contributed to the result by keeping a superb clean sheet, while the side combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing.
Coach Tony Popovic's gamble on youth paid off after he made the bold decision to leave captain Maty Ryan and Jackson Irvine out of the starting XI. Popovic praised his side's grit and organization following the upset of their more fancied opponents.
The result puts Australia second in Group D behind the United States, with both the Socceroos and the USMNT currently holding three points.