Irankunda and Metcalfe send Australia past Turkiye in World Cup opener

Irankunda and Metcalfe fire Australia past Turkiye 2–0

Your Socceroos just did something they haven't pulled off in 20 years, win a World Cup opener. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored either side of halftime to stun Turkiye 2–0 in the group stage, a result Australia last managed back in 2006 (2) (3).

Turkiye dominated the ball, 78% possession, 30 shots, but Patrick Beach and the backline held firm. Arda Guler was kept quiet all night. "Proud. Proud to be here as head coach," Tony Popovic said after the match (2).

Metcalfe: 'You couldn't ask for a better start'

Metcalfe not only scored, he did it after a brutal travel schedule. The midfielder admitted he was "pretty knackered" following a late-night flight from Vancouver to Oakland that had the squad up until 5am (1).

"It's crazy to score, to get the win. I mean, you couldn't ask for a better start, could you?" Metcalfe said (1). Recovery now becomes the priority with the USA clash looming.

Montella left stunned after 30-shot barrage yields nothing

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella couldn't hide his frustration. "We created so many chances, but we couldn't score. That's football," he said after watching his side fire 30 shots and control 78% of possession, and lose 2–0 (2) (4).

The numbers underline how well Australia defended. Arda Guler and the Turkish attack found no way through (4).

Fan reactions

The result lit up Socceroos supporters online. Plenty are comparing the feeling to 2006, and Irankunda's name is everywhere, the teenager has become an instant World Cup cult figure. One fan summed up the mood: first opening win in two decades, and it never really looked in doubt. Join the discussion.