Australia started the World Cup with a surprise. The “Socceroos” defended extremely disciplined against the strong Türkiye and struck ice cold twice on offense.
In the 2-0 (1-0) win in Vancouver, Nestory Irankunda took the lead with the Australians’ first goal in the 27th minute. Connor Metcalfe from FC St. Pauli increased the score in the second half (75′).
Although Turkey was the more dominant team throughout the entire game and sometimes created chances every minute, Australia’s defensive bulwark withstood the pressure. In addition, keeper Patrick Beach had an outstanding day and made several strong saves.
Türkiye takes control early
After their sensational third place in 2002, the Turks had to wait 24 years to take part in a World Cup again – and the favorites showed directly which direction they should go. Australia were pushed into their own half early on. Calhanoglu caused the first offensive threat with a deflected shot from 20 meters after less than three minutes, and a little later Güler flicked the ball over the goal from the right edge of the penalty area.
Australia was tactically extremely defensive right from the start, but survived this first phase of pressure unscathed. The balance of power was nevertheless clearly distributed: Turkey at times had more than 80 percent possession of the ball, set the pace in the midfield and repeatedly created situations of superiority on the wings. However, there were no significant chances – which also meant that the match plan of coach Tony Popovic, whose contract with the “Socceroos” was extended before the opening game, was working so far.
Irankunda shocks Turkey
What’s more: after 27 minutes, his team completely turned the previous game on its head. After Güler failed from a promising position to keeper Beach, Australia countered the Turks like a picture book: Irankunda was served the ball into the barrel on the half-left, moved it past Demiral and then gave Cakir no chance with his well-placed low shot into the left corner.
While Australia took advantage of its first chance to take the lead, the Turks continued to struggle in vain. There was also some bad luck because Beach was just able to direct Bardakci’s powerful shot with his fingertips onto the post (30th). Even until the break, Turkey was unable to create a dangerous finish. The Australians continued to mix concrete and sometimes had eight players in their own penalty area. There was no gap for Turkey, but Irankunda had another good chance on the other side. However, his shot from behind the edge of the penalty area was too unplaced and no problem for Cakir (45th).
Yildiz, Güler and Co. continue to bite their teeth
Montella reacted after the break and brought Yildiz into the team. The Juventus superstar is not yet fully fit again after his calf injury, but he should provide the necessary impetus to crack the Australian defensive bulwark. More than two long-range shots from Calhanoglu (46′) and Yüksek (50′), each of which was deflected, did not come out. Australia, on the other hand, continued to rely on counterattacks and standard situations. One of these brought danger again, but captain Souttar’s header from a corner was missed by Cakir (54′).
Hakan Calhanoglu of Turkey in action against Australia
A little later, Australia’s keeper was in the spotlight again: Güler shot a free kick from 25 meters in a central position with a tricky touch towards the left corner, but Beach blocked the ball again (57th). Because the men in front continued to defend in a disciplined manner and threw themselves into every ball, things slowly but surely became frustrating for the Turks. No matter how often the Turks varied and combined their actions, an Australian defensive leg was always there.
Australia ice cold – Metcalfe increases to 2-0
Or Beach, who remained insurmountable against Celik’s shot from a tight angle 20 minutes before the end. Previously, Calhanoglu had cleverly pushed through. Turkey took its usury of opportunities to the extreme – and shortly afterwards was once again punished coldly by Australia. After winning the ball on the right, Metcalfe had space in midfield and shot dry from around 20 meters from a central position. As with the 1-0, the shot hit the corner again, only this time in the right.
The Turks’ faces spoke volumes. There was still some time left, but the ball simply didn’t want to go into the goal even after another setback. First, Aktürkoglu missed the chance to score after 77 minutes because his direct pass from Güler’s header flew straight into Beach’s arms. Eight minutes later, Australia’s goalkeeper was once again the focus when he turned aside Calhanoglu’s free-kick. A little later, the surprising but by no means undeserved opening victory for the “Socceroos” was perfect.
Australia now against co-hosts USA
Australia continues against co-hosts USA in Seattle on Friday (9 p.m. CEST). The next day (5 a.m. CEST) Turkey will face Paraguay in San Francisco, who had lost 4-1 to the USA at the start.