Australia kicked off their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion on Saturday, defeating Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver, while Scotland celebrated their first victory at the tournament in 36 years and Brazil were held to a draw by an inspired Morocco side.
The Socceroos produced a composed display against Turkey, with teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda opening the scoring in the 27th minute.
The former Bayern Munich player marked his World Cup debut with a brilliant finish after controlling a pass from Paul Okon-Engstler, cutting inside and firing a low strike beyond the goalkeeper.
Connor Metcalfe added a second goal after the break to seal victory for Tony Popovic’s side, which fielded 10 World Cup debutants and its youngest tournament squad since Australia’s opening match against France at the 2018 edition. Despite enjoying long spells of possession, Turkey, making their first World Cup appearance since 2002, failed to find a way back into the contest at BC Place.
In another Group C encounter, Scotland ended their long wait for a World Cup victory with a nervy 1-0 win over Haiti. A deflected effort from John McGinn proved enough to secure Steve Clarke’s side their first triumph at the global showpiece since 1990 and their first victory after a 28-year absence from the men’s tournament.
The result lifted Scotland to the top of Group C and strengthened their hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time, following Brazil’s entertaining draw with Morocco in New Jersey.
Meanwhile, five-time champions Brazil were forced to come from behind after Ismael Saibari stunned the South Americans in the 21st minute. The Moroccan midfielder capitalised on a mix-up involving goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos before delicately lifting the ball into the net from outside the area.
Morocco, the reigning African champions, continued to trouble Brazil and registered 12 shots within the opening half-hour, the highest number faced by the Selecao in a World Cup match since their meeting with Mexico in 2018.
The Atlas Lions also became the first African champions to score against South American opposition at the World Cup.
However, Brazil avoided a shock opening defeat for the first time since 1934 when Vinicius Junior produced a moment of brilliance, weaving through the Moroccan defence before firing home a spectacular equaliser to ensure the match ended level.
