The Australia national football team Socceroos defeated Turkey 2-0 in their World Cup opener on Saturday night. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored for the Socceroos. Patrick Beach made eight saves for the Australia national football team Socceroos. Australia was playing in its sixth straight World Cup and seventh overall. Turkey reached the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup but then missed five straight tournaments before qualifying this year by beating Kosovo in a playoff. Irankunda scored in the 27th minute with a low shot while pursued by three defenders. He celebrated by punching the corner flag in a tribute to Australian soccer legend Tim Cahill. The 20-year-old who plays for Watford is the Socceroos' youngest-ever goal scorer at a World Cup. Minutes later Beach stopped Abdulkerim Bardakçı's blast from distance. Beach started in goal for the Socceroos rather than experienced counterpart Matthew Ryan in a surprise decision from coach Tony Popovic. Irankunda said the Socceroos took issue with comments Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu made a day before the match, proclaiming that his side had 'more qualities and a more talented team.' Turkey maintained 72% of possession during the match and outshot the Socceroos 30-9, but couldn't manage to score. The teams are in Group D with the United States and Paraguay. The Americans downed Paraguay 4-1 in their group opener on Friday in Los Angeles. And the Socceroos will look to build on this win in their next match. So the stage is set for an exciting group stage. But for now, the Socceroos can celebrate this hard-fought victory. The Socceroos' next match is on Wednesday.