A youthful Australian team executed their tactical plan brilliantly to secure a 2-0 triumph over Turkiye.

Having endured three straight defeats while managing Australia during the 2014 World Cup’s group of death, Ange Postecoglou knows better than most how unforgiving this competition can be.

That made it all the more satisfying for Postecoglou to watch Australia deliver a tactically astute performance as they opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory against Turkiye.

Tony Popovic’s side allowed their opponents to dominate possession, sitting deep and striking with precision through a pair of ruthless counter-attacks.

The United States had set the pace in Group D with a commanding 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday evening, and while neither side reached those heights here, the Socceroos demonstrated they can be lethal in their own distinctive style when sticking to their strategy.

After calmly dealing with Turkiye’s attempts to break them down, Australia struck first against the run of play with a brilliantly executed counter-attack.

Watford winger Nestory Irankunda had plenty to do after racing onto a long ball down the left flank, but he weaved his way into the box before unleashing a fierce strike that left the goalkeeper flat-footed.

That opener forced Turkiye to chase the game, with Australia content to drop men behind the ball and wait for opportunities to counterattack or threaten from set pieces.

Towering captain Harry Souttar nearly doubled the lead from a corner, drawing a fine save from Ugurcan Cakir in the second half.

Turkiye soon resorted to speculative long-range efforts, though goalkeeper Patrick Beach – a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup – produced a superb stop to keep out a curling free kick from Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler.

Australia put the result beyond doubt when Connor Metcalfe surged forward from midfield and fired a low drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards to make it 2-0.

Postecoglou’s own World Cup campaign as manager in 2014 saw Australia drawn alongside the Netherlands, Chile, and Spain, where they bowed out without a point. But he now believes this squad has genuine potential to progress to the knockout rounds if they maintain this level of performance against Paraguay and the USA in their remaining fixtures.

Speaking as a pundit on ITV, Postecoglou said: “It was a really special performance. 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 no accident they won tonight — it was fully deserved. They were well-organised, disciplined, and showed real quality. Both goals were top class.”

He added with a grin, “I’m incredibly proud of the coaching team, the players, and the country. It’s the middle of the day back home on a Sunday, so I’d say the pubs will be buzzing right now!”