Australia don hammer Turkey for Vancouver, 2-0, for di opening match of Group D for di 2026 World Cup. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe score two beautiful goals for di second half to give di Socceroos three points wey dem no expect.
Tony Popovic, di coach, beaming with pride afta di match. “Proud,” e yell over di crowd noise for di flash zone. “Proud of di staff for di work dem put in and some good decisions dere sideline.”
Di match na masterclass for defensive discipline and counterattacking. Turkey get 72% possession but dem no fit break down Australia‘s back three. Burgess, Souttar, and Circati all stand strong, blocking shots and clearing balls. Turkey only get one good chance, wen Akturkoglu volley straight at goalkeeper Patrick Beach for di six-yard line.
Irankunda open scoring for di second half wit a clinical counterattack finish. Den Metcalfe double di lead wit a low left-footed shot wey curl inside di post. “You see di young boys combining to score a goal and can’t underestimate wetin dis go do for dia confidence and belief,” Popovic talk.
Di Socceroos play without many senior players. No Mat Ryan, no Jackson Irvine, no Mat Leckie for di starting XI. Seven players aged 24 or under. “Absolutely staggering,” one journalist write. “Perhaps di greatest performance and result for Australia’s World Cup history.”
Next up for Australia na di United States for Seattle on June 19. Winner likely go top di group, while draw go see both teams safe for di knockouts. Turkey go face Paraguay for Santa Clara, a match wey both teams must win.
