Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAfter managing his country to three defeats in the 2014 World Cup's group of death, Ange Postecoglou knows just how punishing this tournament can be.So he was left delighted to see Australia execute a canny gameplan to perfection as they made a winning start to the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Turkiye.Tony Popovic's side were happy to let the opposition have plenty of the ball as they sat deep and picked the opposition off with a pair of clinical counter-attacks.Australia The United States of America had set the standard for their Group D rivals with their thumping 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday evening, and in truth neither side lived up to that here.But the Socceroos showed they can be dangerous in their own way as they played out their gameplan to perfection against Turkiye. You may like Australia vs Turkiye prediction after United States set Group D standard Ange Postecoglou gushes over Nestory Irankunda's wonder strike against Turkey that will 'change his whole world' How to watch Australia vs Turkey for FREE After pretty comfortably absorbing Turkiye's best efforts to break them down, Australia fired themselves into the lead against the run of play with a brilliantly incisive counter-attack.Watford's Nestory Irankunda had a lot to do after racing onto a long ball to the left wing, but stylishly zagged into the box before smashing an unstoppable effort past the wrong-footed goalkeeper.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.That left Turkiye with the task of breaking down an Australia side that were only too happy to put then men in their own third and wait for the next opportunity to hit them the break or from a set piece.Massive skipper Harry Souttar went close through the latter route, forcing a second-half save out of Ugurcan Cakir from a corner.Turkiye had long since resorted to trying fruitless long shots - although surprise goalkeeper selection Patrick Beach had to be at his best to deny Real Madrid star Arda Guler from a free kick. What to read next Australia squad World Cup 2026: Tony Popovic's team for opening game against Turkey The USMNT's band of brothers start as they mean to go on with dazzling win over Paraguay in World Cup opener The new Michael Owen? Australia starlet Nestory Irankunda announces himself in style with fabulous World Cup goal And Australia took another step closer to victory as they broke forward from the halfway line for Connor Metcalfe to drill into the bottom corner from 25 yards.Postecoglou was unfortunate to be drawn alongside the Netherlands, Chile and Spain when he was in charge in 2014, with the Aussies going out alongside Spain without earning a point.But he believes they now have a real chance of getting through to the knockouts if they can replicate this kind of performance against Paraguay and the USA in their remaining games.Acting as a pundit on ITV, he said: "It was really special. I'm probably the least surprised - I know Turkiye were the favourites, but I know what's in that dressing room, that Australian spirit."It's not by chance they won tonight - it was well deserved. They set up a certain way, very disciplined, and they had the quality. Both goals were quality goals."I'm very proud of the coaching staff, the lads, and Australia. It's the middle of the day there on a Sunday, so I reckon the pubs will be going full bore!"TOPICSAustraliaTurkeyWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
