FIFA World Cup: Irankunda, Metcalfe fire Australia to stunning 2-0 win over Turkey

Vancouver: Australia produced one of the biggest shocks of the opening round of the FIFA World Cup, defeating fancied Turkey 2-0 at BC Place on Saturday to kick off their campaign in style.

Teenage winger Nestory Irankunda and midfielder Connor Metcalfe scored in either half as the Socceroos delivered a disciplined and clinical performance against a Turkey side packed with attacking talent.

Australia took the lead in the 27th minute when Irankunda latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Paul Okon-Engstler before firing a powerful low shot past goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.

The goal capped a swift counter-attacking move and put the underdogs firmly in control.

Turkey responded with a wave of attacks and came close to equalising on several occasions. Hakan Calhanoglu struck the crossbar with a long-range effort, while Arda Guler repeatedly tested Australia’s defence.

However, goalkeeper Patrick Beach, handed a surprise competitive debut by coach Tony Popovic, produced a series of outstanding saves to preserve his side’s advantage.

The decisive second goal arrived in the 75th minute when Metcalfe collected the ball outside the box, shifted onto his left foot and drove a low effort into the far corner to double Australia’s lead.

Turkey pushed numbers forward in the closing stages, but Australia’s defence, marshalled by Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess, stood firm to secure a memorable victory.

The result gives Australia their first World Cup opening-match win since 2006 and moves them level on three points with the United States at the top of Group D.

Turkey, meanwhile, face mounting pressure ahead of their next group-stage fixture after an unexpected defeat.