𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

VANCOUVER – The United States have company at the top of Group D. After a spirited win over Turkey, Australia are level with the co-hosts on three points.

Turkey likely deserved better on the day. Doubling Australia’s shots on target is just one of the many stats that prove as much. But if you’re a member of the USMNT coaching staff, that’s part of the reason you might be scratching your head a little harder after Saturday’s 2-0 win for Australia: there’s reason to be concerned about how both teams could threaten the U.S. in their final two group-stage games.

Yes, the co-hosts punched Paraguay around in their World Cup opener. But both Australia and Turkey appear to be more daunting for different reasons.

“Maybe the perception (of Australia) changes slightly because we’ve beaten Turkey, a big nation,” Australia coach Tony Popovic said after the win.

Let’s unpack what we saw from both Australia and Turkey as their respective matches against the United States inch closer.

Irankunda and Australia can make the most of limited opportunities

Irankunda celebrates his goal (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Say what you will about possession numbers, but Australia’s 28.3 per cent possession on the night was startlingly low.

And yet, here we are, wondering if Australia can do something special in Group D after the win over Turkey. They earned that win because they squeezed a lot of juice from a tiny lemon. Australia only had four shots on target, but they showed they can finish.

Nestory Irankunda’s first World Cup goal was a banger: the 20-year-old winger is emerging onto the global stage with flair. He cut through Turkey’s back line with one touch and then finished with just one more. Irankunda looks to be playing with a blend of composure and attacking prowess. That’s a dangerous cocktail.

In the second half, Connor Metcalfe again led an Australian counter-attack and finished with a shot from distance. Can Australia keep hurting teams on the counter?

The United States will likely own the majority of possession when they face Australia. However, Australia showed on Saturday that might not matter.

Australia bunker down, and do it well

Without the ball, Australia defend compactly like they were instructed to do so from birth. Calling their two blocks of defenders “organized” would be an understatement. For stretches, Australia’s blocks left little space for Turkey.

“Outstanding defensive display from the whole squad,” Popovic said. “Putting their bodies on the line, that’s what’s required in the World Cup”

Australia coach Tony Popovic (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Australia’s compact defending left Turkey’s attackers visibly frustrated. Now Australia will be (likely) be utilizing the same approach against a team riding high after dominating Paraguay. They won’t fear the swagger that the United States will bring.

Turkey can cause problems through middle — and their fans are vociferous

Turkey were at their best when their multiple attacking midfielders were involved and piercing through the centre. Turkey is a narrow team and have quality that manifests in quick and direct passing routes close to goal.

Per Opta, Turkey fired 71 midfield line-breaking passes against Australia. That’s the most of any team in a World Cup match since 2010. Blink and Turkey seemed to quickly eat up yards with ease. Can they cut through the United States with the same ease? Will the United States allow them space?

Turkey can punish teams with their attacking mindset and daring to get towards the goal.

And let’s talk about their fans: there is a real chance Turkey’s supporters will go down as some of the loudest and most vociferous of the tournament. The noise they created was piercing. Turkey’s fans booed Australia every time they got into Turkey’s box.

Turkey’s fans in Vancouver made themselves heard (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

This is their first World Cup since 2002. They’re here — as are their fans — with something to prove. These are fans that have generally made a name for themselves as some of Europe’s most passionate while backing club sides like Galatasaray and Besiktas.

If Turkey enter their final group-stage game against the United States and are in a position where a win sends them to the knockout round, would it surprise anyone if they try to drown out the American fans in Inglewood? That’s a strange reality the Americans will have to prepare for.

Can the USMNT get past Australia’s young goalkeeper?

Imagine you are just 22 years old and your third cap comes as a surprise to many. Now imagine that third cap is also your World Cup debut. OK, finally try to imagine your performance was part of the reason why – a massive reason, in fact – that your country earned just their fifth World Cup win.

Welcome to the world Patrick Beach is now living in.

Goalkeepers rarely decide games on their own at the World Cup. However, the Melbourne City goalkeeper did on the day with multiple saves that stifled Turkey. Whether it was a diving save on an Arda Guler free kick or using strong positioning to deny Kerem Akturkoglu’s header, Beach made himself a story. He made sure Australia maintained their lead. And maybe he can do so again.

Australia ‘keeper Patrick Beach (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“I’m sure (Beach) won’t sleep much tonight,” Popovic said, “and will remember this night for a very long time.”

This is why you love the World Cup: players can emerge out of nowhere and not let the weight of the moment hang heavily on them. Young players like Beach can just go and play free. In doing so, Beach might stifle another favourite: the United States.

“Emotionally, we need to recover,” Popovic said. “Our young boys have never experienced something like this.”