Socceroos upset Turkey 2-0, Brazil-Morocco draw as Scotland make history

Irankunda honours Cahill after scoring Australia opener

Nestory Irankunda became Australia’s youngest World Cup goalscorer as a youthful Socceroos upset Turkey.

The Watford forward scored a fine first-half goal before Connor Metcalfe got the second to give Tony Popovic’s side the perfect start to their Group D campaign in Vancouver.

Irankunda, at 20 years and 125 days, beat the record of Brett Holman, who scored against Ghana in 2010 when he was aged 26 and 84 days.

Turkey, appearing in the World Cup for the first time since 2002, were dominant for large parts but could not find an equaliser at BC Place.

Defender Abdulkerim Bardakci tried a speculative effort from distance and it took a fine save from Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach to tip it on to a post. Beach, a surprise starter ahead of Mat Ryan as he made his first competitive international, also denied Arda Guler from a free-kick and a close-range effort from Zeki Celik in the second half. Midfielder Metcalfe pounced on some sloppy play from Turkey before firing a low strike into the bottom corner.

Vinicius Jr. spared Brazil the embarrassment of defeat in an opening World Cup match for the first time since 1934 as his spectacular solo goal earned a draw for the five-time winners against Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Brazil fell behind in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari lifted the ball over the onrushing Alisson Becker from outside the area following a lapse in communication between the Liverpool goalkeeper and his defenders, Gabriel and Marquinhos.

It was the first time the African champions had scored against South American opposition at the World Cup, having failed to do so against Peru in 1970 and Brazil in 1998.

Morocco continued to dominate and, by the 30th minute, had registered 12 shots – the most Brazil have faced in a World Cup match since their encounter with Mexico in 2018. But as Mohamed Ouahbi’s side failed to capitalise on their advantage, Brazil drew level 13 minutes before the break through Vinicius. Making his 50th appearance for the Selecao, he collected a ball from Bruno Guimaraes inside the area, cut inside, and unleashed a fierce strike past Yassine Bounou. Former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta almost put Brazil ahead in first-half stoppage time, but his acrobatic effort was tipped behind for a corner.

With several members of Brazil’s triumphant 2002 squad watching on in New Jersey – including Ronaldo, Kaka and Roberto Carlos – Carlo Ancelotti’s side began to move through the gears after the break. And although chances were at a premium for both sides, Raphinha came closest to finding an elusive second when he narrowly failed to connect with Guimaraes’ low-driven cross across the face of goal.

The draw means Morocco’s wait to win their opening game at a World Cup goes on, while Brazil’s remarkable 92-year unbeaten first-match record remains intact.

John McGinn repaid head coach Steve Clarke’s faith in him by firing Scotland to their first World Cup win in 36 years as they edged past Haiti on their return to the men’s tournament after a 28-year absence.

Clarke said pre-match that the selection of Aston Villa Captain McGinn instead of Ryan Christie was “probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make” and challenged the 31-year-old to prove him right.

It is safe to say that sending his country to the top of Group C while taking a significant step towards reaching the knockout stage for the first time does just that – even if this was a nerve-shattering night at the Boston Stadium.

Despite a sharp start, that seldom looked likely against Haiti, with Scotland poor on ball and grateful for their opponents’ profligacy. Countless balls were swung in to the box by the Caribbean side, and keeper Angus Gunn – who was chosen in front of 43-year-old Craig Gordon, the oldest player at the tournament – was forced to remain on high-alert. The memories of past slip-ups against Costa Rica, Iran and Peru hung heavy in the air.

Despite that, McGinn had the opportunity to ease the Tartan Army’s growing concerns with 20 minutes remaining, but instead dragged his effort wide.

It made for an anxious ending – particularly when Frantzdy Pierrot directed a header wide – to a day fuelled by exhilaration and excitement. 

Scotland beat Haiti 1-0.