Pandemonium in Melbourne! Socceroos send fans into a frenzy after World Cup victory over Turkey

Video credit: X/@FOXSoccer Australian fans took to the streets to fill Melbourne’s Federation Square after the Socceroos opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Turkey on Saturday night.Videos of the celebrations quickly spread across social media as supporters marked what could prove to be a key result in Australia’s bid to reach the round of 32. Federation Square was transformed into a sea of ​​green and gold, with flares lit and thousands of fans celebrating the victory.The celebrations followed Australia’s victory over a Turkish team playing in the World Cup for the first time in 24 years. Turkey reached the semi-finals in 2002 but failed to qualify for the next five editions before securing a place in the 2026 tournament with a play-off win over Kosovo.Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored on the field as Australia opened their campaign with three points ahead of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The Socceroos are participating in their sixth consecutive World Cup and seventh overall.Irankunda opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a low finish despite being chased by three defenders. The goal came less than a minute after the first half hydration break.The 20-year-old Watford player celebrated by flying the corner flag in tribute to Australian football great Tim Cahill. The strike also made him Australia’s youngest goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup.Australia almost doubled their lead soon after, as goalkeeper Patrick Beach made a crucial save at the other end to deny Abdulkerim Bardakci’s long-range effort. Beach was selected over veteran goaltender Matthew Ryan in a surprise call by coach Tony Popovic.The goalkeeper finished with eight saves as Australia kept a clean sheet and secured a result that sparked celebrations across the country.