Australia stun Turkey in World Cup Group D opener

Nestory Irankunda

Australia launched their FIFA World Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-0 victory over Turkey in Vancouver, inspired by teenage forward Nestory Irankunda, who became the youngest Socceroos player to score at a World Cup.
The 20-year-old Watford attacker etched his name into Australian football history when he opened the scoring in the first half, surpassing Brett Holman’s long-standing record as the nation’s youngest World Cup goalscorer.
Irankunda was aged 20 years and 125 days, comfortably eclipsing Holman’s mark set against Ghana at the 2010 World Cup.
Australia’s youthful side, fielding 10 World Cup debutants under coach Tony Popovic, showed maturity beyond their years to secure all three points in their Group D opener.
It was the Socceroos’ youngest World Cup lineup since their clash with France in 2018.
Irankunda’s breakthrough moment came after he expertly controlled a pass from Paul Okon-Engstler.
The former Bayern Munich player then cut inside with a brilliant touch before firing a low finish past the Turkish goalkeeper to hand Australia the lead.
Despite falling behind, Turkey, making their first World Cup appearance since 2002, controlled large portions of the contest and repeatedly tested Australia’s defence.
Defender Abdulkerim Bardakci nearly produced an equaliser with an ambitious long-range strike, but goalkeeper Patrick Beach reacted superbly to tip the effort onto the post.
Beach, handed a surprise start ahead of veteran Mat Ryan in his first competitive international appearance, continued to impress with key saves from Arda Guler’s free-kick and a close-range effort by Zeki Celik.
As Turkey pushed forward in search of a leveller, Australia struck again. Midfielder Connor Metcalfe capitalised on a costly defensive mistake before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to seal the victory.
The result gives Popovic’s young Socceroos the perfect start to their World Cup journey and highlights the emergence of Irankunda as one of Australia’s brightest talents on the global stage.