ANCOUVER (Reuters) – Australia combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to secure a 2-0 victory over Turkey at BC Place, upsetting their more fancied opponents as coach Tony ​Popovic praised his side’s grit and organisation.
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Pre-match attention had centred on Turkey’s Arda ‌Guler, but it was Australia’s youthful attack that made the difference.
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Popovic’s side set up to absorb pressure and break quickly, with Mohamed Toure – back from illness – leading the line alongside Nestory Irankunda.
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Their pace and directness provided a constant outlet on the counter, unsettling a Turkish side that dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
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That approach paid off in the 27th â minute when Irankunda combined pace and control with a composed finish for his sixth international goal, underlining why the 20-year-old is considered one of Australia’s brightest talents.
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“Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this, to put a smile on these people’s faces who have travelled so far to support us – I’m just happy for a wonderful young group of men,” Popovic said.
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“You see the young boys combining to score a goal and can’t underestimate what this will do for their confidence and belief.”
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Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu had spoken confidently beforehand, describing his team as more talented ‌and â expecting them to control the game as they made their World Cup return after 24 years.
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While his side did enjoy the bulk of possession and registered more shots on target, they were unable to translate that superiority into goals.
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Australia were compact and disciplined throughout, closing off ​space and limiting Turkey’s ​effectiveness in the final â third.
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Guler saw plenty of the ball but repeatedly ran into a wall of gold shirts, with Australia crowding him out whenever he tried ​to dictate play in dangerous areas.
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Goalkeeper Patrick Beach justified his selection ahead of â Mathew Ryan with a series of important saves, ensuring Australia’s defensive effort held firm under sustained pressure.
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Australia next face the United States in Seattle after the co-hosts opened their campaign with a â 4-1 win ​over Paraguay on Friday.
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“It’ll be a special game. Being at a World Cup is enough, and playing the host nation adds to that,” Popovic added. “We’ll recover well, prepare well, and respect a very good US side.”