Los Angeles: Two sublime goals by Australia's Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe sealed a 2-0 win in Vancouver on Saturday as Turkey suffered defeat on their first return to the men's World Cup since finishing third in 2002.
Paul Okon-Engstler's perfect long pass over the top allowed Watford's Irankunda to run onto the ball, but the 20-year-old still had much to do and finished in style. The 27th-minute goal stung the Turks into action and they later dominated the second half without carving out many clear-cut chances.
They paid for their profligacy as Australia broke on 75 minutes and St Pauli's Metcalfe was given too much space to advance, finding the near corner from just outside the box. Midfielder Metcalfe failed to scored in the Bundesliga last term when the Hamburg side were relegated. Australia sprang a surprise, with young goalkeeper Patrick Beach preferred to veteran Mathew Ryan, but he let no one down and made a good late save on from captain Hakan Çalhano.
The Socceroos, in their sixth straight men's World Cup, used their experience elsewhere to see out the Group D win and sit just belowco-hosts and next opponents the US, who beat Paraguay 4-1 in their opener.
Australia reached the last 16 for the second time four years' ago in Qatar and are now well-placed to make the knock-outs in this expanded edition in North America. Turkey meanwhile have thinking to do and coach Vincenzo Montella, a rare Italian at these finals, must find a way to beat Paraguay on Friday to offer hope of progression after five missed tournaments. — DPA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
