Sports Update 1 day ago ⏱️ 2 min read

World Cup shocks for Ferdi Kadioglu and Maty Ryan

📢 Apexscore Sports Article
Ferdi suffers World Cup defeat and there is a shock for ex-Albion goalkeeper The ArgusWorld Cup 2026: Nestory Irankunda - the refugee who quit Bayern to make Australia history BBCSocceroos stun Turkey as Australia’s youngsters shine in opening World Cup win The GuardianAnatomy of the Socceroos’ stunners: How Irankunda and Metcalfe pulled off moments of magic SMH.com.auAustralia go level with USMNT in Group D after surprise win against Turkey - The Athletic The New York Times

But there was a shock too for a former Albion regular on the winning side.

Kadioglu started and was involved in some bright attacking moments for Turkey.

But they went down 2-0 to the Aussies, who scored a goal in each half.

It was a highly organised and clinical display from Tony Popovic’s side, who withstood their opponent’s dominance of the ball and struck through Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.

Aussie boss Popovic sprang a big surprise in goal by leaving out former Albion No.1 Maty Ryan.

The 104-times capped Levante goalkeeper had briefly lost his starting role soon after Popovic's appointment in 2024 but had regained it well before qualification was secured and has been in good form.

However Patric Beach – thought to be third choice going into the tournament – stepped in and was involved in the game-changing moment.

Arda Guler’s header was saved low by Beach – making his competitive international debut – and in a flash Irankunda was released to race away from the defence and slot into the corner at the other end.

Beach, who plays for Melbourne City, was instrumental in keeping Turkey out as their pressure grew, saving spectacularly from Abdulkerim Bardakci.

Australia also left out vice-captain Jackson Irvine of St Pauli, although he went on for the closing stages..

Turkey arrived at the tournament with high hopes and now regroup to face a Paraguay side who also lost their opening game, beaten 3-1 by the USA.

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