Australia head coach Tony Popovic saw his decision to trust youth fully vindicated as his side produced a surprise 2-0 victory over Turkey in their World Cup opener on Saturday. Nestory Irankunda got on the scoresheet, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach delivered an outstanding performance to secure a clean sheet.

Popovic raised eyebrows with his team selection, opting to start Beach ahead of regular captain Mat Ryan, while also leaving experienced midfielder Jackson Irvine on the bench.

However, the gamble paid off as Beach impressed on his World Cup debut, showing composure and confidence throughout. The Melbourne City goalkeeper made a series of important saves whenever Turkey managed to break through Australia’s defensive setup, helping preserve a crucial shutout.

Paul Okon-Engstler, brought in to replace Jackson Irvine, also made a strong impression, helping set up Nestory Irankunda for Australia’s opening goal as the Socceroos held firm defensively before Connor Metcalfe added a second 15 minutes from full time.

Despite the surprise selections, Popovic rejected the idea that starting Beach or Okon-Engstler was a bold or unexpected call.

“They might be shocks for a lot of people, but not within our squad or coaching staff, because we see these young players working every day and we know their quality,” he told reporters.

“This is a team chosen to perform. At a World Cup, you can never guarantee results, but I focus on the performance. Regardless of the outcome, I believe it was the right decision.”

Popovic, who earlier this week signed a contract extension keeping him in charge until the 2027 Asian Cup, also suggested that his young squad still has significant room for growth.

“Their ceiling is not even close yet because they are a young group with very little World Cup experience and limited international exposure,” he said.

“That peak should really come in four or eight years for most of these players.”

The Australia coach then shifted attention to their upcoming clash with co-hosts the United States, where victory could potentially secure top spot in Group D.

He also downplayed whether the win over Turkey would change how opponents view his side.

“I don’t know, and I’m not focused on that,” he said.

“Maybe perceptions shift a little because we’ve beaten Turkey, a strong nation, but we still have a lot of work ahead and our focus has to move quickly to the U.S. game.”