Australia and Turkey open World Cup Group D with scoreless first half in Vancouver

Australia and Turkey met on Sunday morning at BC Place in Vancouver in the match that closes out the first round in Group D at the World Cup. The United States had earlier beaten Paraguay 4-1, so both teams were looking to stay close to the Americans at the top of the group and improve their position for the rest of the tournament.

Australia are playing at their sixth straight World Cup and seventh overall, but they carry an unwanted trend, they have lost their opening match in five of their previous six tournaments. Coach Tony Popovic is hoping his team’s physical approach can help against a more talented opponent. Turkey, meanwhile, are without injured Kenan Yildiz, but still have a squad full of stars. Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu are expected to lead them to their first World Cup victory since 2002.

Turkey started better and controlled the opening minutes. Their first real chance came from Guler, whose shot went wide. The match was being played at BC Place in front of a strong atmosphere, with Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela in charge.

Australia lined up in a 3-5-2 under Popovic, while Vincenzo Montella set Turkey up in a 4-3-3. The Group D table after the United States-Paraguay result showed the Americans first with three points, while Australia and Turkey had yet to score or take a point. Later group matches are scheduled for June 19 and June 26 in San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles.