IRANKUNDA AND METCALFE FIRE SOCCEROOS TO THREE POINTS AGAINST TURKEY.

Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored as Australia opened their World Cup
campaign with a 2-0 victory over Turkey in Vancouver on Saturday.

Making his competitive debut, goalkeeper Patrick Beach starred with a man-of-the-
match display, producing a series of crucial saves to help the Socceroos secure all
three points.

Turkey started brightly and threatened through Arda Guler, but Beach was equal to
the challenge as Australia absorbed early pressure.

The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when Irankunda raced onto a
long pass, skipped past the Turkish defence and fired low into the net to become
Australia’s youngest World Cup goalscorer.

Turkey pushed hard for an equaliser after the break, but Beach continued to frustrate
Vincenzo Montella’s side with a string of impressive stops.

Australia then sealed victory in the 75th minute when Metcalfe surged forward and
drilled a powerful strike into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Beach finished with eight saves as the Socceroos held firm to claim a valuable
opening win.

Australia will next face co-hosts the United States, while Turkey takes on Paraguay in
their second Group D match.