Australia produced one of the early shocks of the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Turkey national football team in Vancouver, as coach Tony Popovic was rewarded for a series of bold selection calls.
Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe secured the win, while rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach starred with a string of crucial saves in just his third international appearance.
Australia, fielding 10 World Cup debutants and without captain Maty Ryan in goal, absorbed heavy Turkish pressure before striking on the counterattack and defending resolutely. The result leaves the Socceroos level on three points with the United States men’s national soccer team at the top of Group D ahead of their upcoming clash in Seattle.
