FIFA World Cup: Recap the Socceroos’ opening clash against Turkiye

The Australian’s have had the first half of their dreams.

Turkiye have owned possession but have done little with it as the Socceroos stay organised at the back with the wing backs dropping into a five-player defence.

Toure and Irankunda are really surprising the Turkish defence and look a chance to score anytime they launch a forward run.

Souttar and Burgess have had a few moments to forget but overall Popovic will be very happy with their effort on defence.

Three of the six teams that have scored first so far in this tournament have gone on to win so their is still a lot of work to be done by the green the gold.

It’s fair to say Irankunda’s goal was felt by Aussie fans everywhere!

Bos smashes a volley from distance well over the box but the Aussies are causing issues for Turkiye.

Toure and Irankunda are making great forward runs and while there have been a few nervy moments in defence, Beach is holding firm.

AUS 0 - 0 TUR 40’

Irankunda has scored!

A thrilling counter unleashes the Aussie young gun and he buries the shot in the bottom corner one-on-one with the keeper.

The ball over the top freed him up and he could not be stopped.

It came after Beach made a strong save from a good volley.

AUS 1 - 0 TUR 27’

Turkiye are happy to take some early pot shots but they are yet to come close.

Metcalfe had a second chance at a corner for the Socceroos but just floated it too much.

Toure is looking a pacy threat up top, he just needs to get is touch in the last third right.

AUS 0 - 0 TUR 20’

The Socceroos started the game with a nice probing of the attacking bos but Turkiye have now settled on the ball as expected.

They have won two corners but the Aussies saw them off comfortably while Burgess and Souttar look imposing at the back.

The Aussies wil be hoping for some early set peices. And their first was hit straight to the keeper.

AUS 0 - 0 TUR 8’

Australia get us underway after a full-stadium countdown!

The Socceroos launch the ball forward but the Turkish clear.

The players have left the tunnel and are lining up for the national anthems.

It’s always a spine-tingling moment and these players are raring to get into the action.

The Australian anthem plays first.

The Socceroos head into this contest with a 3-4-2-1.

Toure will play as the lone striker up top but Irankunda will likely get up alongside him or tuck in behind from his attacking midfielder position.

Metcalfe will also likely move between helping in attack and slotting back to defend the central areas.

Italiano and Bos provide the width but will also help out in defence and will be kept busy trying to prevent the Turkish getting crosses into the box.

Turkiye are playing a 4-2-3-1 with Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler both starting.

Juventus young gun Kenan Yildiz is on the bench after returning from a calf injury.

The Socceroos are out in the middle of the pitch getting their first taste of the atmosphere inside the arena.

There were a few boos around from the Turkish fans but there’s a strong yellow tinge around that welcomed their heros nicely.