Australia spoiled Turkey’s return to the World Cup after 24 years, causing a…mini surprise and securing a 2-0 victory in the opening match of Group 4 at BC Place in Vancouver.

 Tony Popovic’s Kangaroos scored twice, one in each half, against the flow of the game. 
 First in the 27th minute when Nestor Irankunda dribbled past a defender and finished with a sublime finish.
 Australia’s determined defence held off all of Turkey’s attacks and the Socceroos doubled their lead in the 75th minute when midfielder Connor Metcalfe collected the ball from about 20 metres out and slotted it into the net.

 A footballing …punishment for Vincenzo Montella’s team, rich in talent and initiative but unable to successfully complete its efforts, which had 71% possession (versus 29%) and 30 finals (versus 9).

 The result places Australia second in the group behind the USA after their 4-1 win over Paraguay.

Referee: Jesus Valenzuela Saez (Venezuela)
Yellow cards: Akgun 86′
Red cards: –

The teams:
AUSTRALIA (Tony Popovic): Beach, Circati, Sutar, Burgess, Italiano (Geria 74′), O’Neill, Ocon-Engelster (Irvine 83′), Bosz (Behic 83′), Irankouda (Velupilei 61′), Metcalfe, Toure (Yengi 74′)
TURKEY (Vicenzo Modella): Cakir, Kandıoğlu, Bardakci, Demiral, Celik (Murdur 80′), Yukçek (Ozkan 80′), Calhanoğlu, Yılmaz (Yıldız 45′), Kocsu (Akgun 62′), Guler, Akturgoğlu (Gül 85′)