Australia 2-0 Turkiye result – Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe strike as Socceroos stun with smash-and-grab victory in World Cup Group D

Australia put the cat amongst the pigeons in World Cup Group D with an impressive 2-0 victory over Turkiye in Vancouver.

The Socceroos’ win was built on fine individual goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, and a fairytale World Cup debut for their young goalkeeper Patrick Beach.

Beach, aged 22 and winning only his third cap, was surprisingly selected ahead of the captain Mathew Ryan, but more than justified his selection by making eight saves.

Turkiye dominated possession throughout, but Australia’s defensive shape was excellent, and they were more than happy to play on the counter-attack. That approach led to the first goal, beautifully taken by Watford’s Irankunda in the 27th minute.

Beach made his best save of the night shortly after, flying to his right to paw a long-range shot from Abdulkerim Bardakci on to the post.

Turkiye upped the tempo after half-time, and had several near misses before they were hit by a sucker punch from Metcalfe in the 75th minute. They kept pushing, even at 2-0 down, but could not find a way past Beach.

An intriguing Group D resumes on Friday, when Australia face the co-hosts USA, and Turkiye meet Paraguay in a match neither team can afford to lose.

WHAT TO WATCH ON TNT SPORTS AND HBO MAX

HBO Max includes the full range of TNT Sports content and live coverage. In 2026, subscribers can stream exclusive matches from the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, as well as every Gallagher PREM Rugby match, Premiership Women’s Rugby, live Grand Tour cycling broadcasts including every stage of the Tour de France, every match from the Australian Open and Roland-Garros, every MotoGP, World Superbikes and British Superbikes race, plus the World Snooker Tour, the winter sports season, Speedway GP, and much more.

A brilliant result for Australia, one of their finest at a World Cup, and a triumph for their coach Tony Popovic.

He made the huge call to leave out the captain Mathew Ryan, and play the inexperienced Patrick Beach in goal.

Beach more than justified his selection by making eight saves. At the other end, excellent goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe earned all three points for the Socceroos.

Turkiye's race is almost run.

Guler's shot from 20 yards bobbles gently through to Beach, who has now made eight saves tonight.

Deniz Gul replaces Akturkoglu up front. When play resumes, Calhanoglu's free-kick is pushed away by the diving Beach.

Irvine and Behich come on for Bos and Okon-Engstler.

Ozcan and Muldur replace Yuksek and Celik.

Turkiye have done a lot right in this game but Australia's rope-a-dope tactics are working perfectly. Another chance has just gone begging for Turkey, with Akturkoglu hooking a volley straight at Beach from 10 yards.

Connor Metcalfe has doubled Australia's lead! He collected a loose ball just inside the Turkiye half, ran at a backpedaling defence and cracked an excellent low shot from 25 yards that beat the diving Cakir. Well well.

Yengi and Geria replace Toure and Italiano.

Guler shoots over from 25 yards. That was Turkiye's 23rd effort at goal in this game to Australia's eight, not that it matters while Australia lead 1-0.

Calhanoglu plays a fine through pass to the right-back Celik, who smacks a shot from a very tight angle. Beach is well positioned and pushes it round the post.

Turkiye has 19 minutes plus added time to find an equaliser.

It's an untimely interruption for Turkiye, who were enjoying probably their best spell of the match.

The Turkiye substitute Yildiz has two shots blocked in the space of five seconds. It feels like an equaliser is coming.

Okon-Engstler makes an important tackle on Calhanoglu, who was lining up a shot from the edge of the area. Turkiye are putting Australia under increasing pressure.

Yunus Akgun on, Orkun Kokcu off.