World Cup – Ilankunda's solo goal secures Australia's 2-0 victory over Türkiye.

In the first round of Group D matches at the 2026 World Cup, Australia defeated Turkey 2-0 at BC Stadium in Vancouver, Canada. They are currently second in the group due to a lower goal difference, trailing the United States, who also have 3 points.

At the start of the first half, Turkey launched an attack on a well-prepared Australia. In the 6th minute, Arda Güler and Olkun Kokchuk combined with a short pass to cut into the penalty area, but Güler's shot went wide. In the 26th minute, Bales Yilmaz crossed from the left, and Güler's volley inside the penalty area was saved by Patrick Beach. Australia then launched a counter-attack through a long pass from Michael Okon-Enstler, and Nestori Ilankunda dribbled past three players before scoring a solo goal to make it 1-0.

In the 29th minute, Hari Suta's header clearance nearly gifted Abdulkrim Baldakje's long-range shot to the left post. In the 44th minute, Jordan Bos delivered a diagonal pass from the left wing, and Ilankunda cut inside before his low shot was saved by Ugurkan Chakir.

The second half began with both sides switching ends. In the 53rd minute, Aiden O'Neill took a corner kick from the left, and Suta's header at the far post was saved by Çakır. In the 57th minute, Güler took a free kick from the attacking third, but his shot was also brilliantly saved by Bic. In the 72nd minute, Hakan Çalhanoğlu passed the ball to the right side of the penalty area, and Zeki Çelik's follow-up shot was again denied by Bic.

In the 74th minute, Ismail Uxek made a passing error in midfield, and Australia seized the opportunity to launch a quick counter-attack. With Conor Metcalfe's powerful shot from outside the box finding the back of the net, the Socceroos, holding a two-goal lead, secured the victory.

Image source: Internet