VANCOUVER: Nestory Irankunda became Australia’s youngest World Cup goalscorer at 20 years and 125 days, breaking Brett Holman’s 2010 record, as a youthful Socceroos side defeated Turkey in their Group D opener in Vancouver.

The Watford forward, formerly of Bayern Munich, was one of ten World Cup debutants fielded by Tony Popovic in the tournament’s youngest lineup since 2018.

Irankunda opened the scoring with a superb, low strike after a brilliant touch inside from a Paul Okon-Engstler pass.

Turkey dominated large parts of the match in their first World Cup appearance since 2002 but could not beat debutant goalkeeper Patrick Beach.

Starting ahead of Mat Ryan, Beach made a fine fingertip save onto the post from Abdulkerim Bardakci’s long-range effort, while also denying Arda Guler and Zeki Celik in the second half.

Midfielder Connor Metcalfe eventually sealed the victory for Australia, pouncing on sloppy Turkish play to fire a low finish into the bottom corner.