World Cup LIVE: Australia put in fine defensive display to see off Turkey in Group D

Saturday's matches:

Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Brazil 1-1 Morocco

Haiti 0-1 Scotland

Australia 2-0 Turkey

Live updates:

13:25 CET - Follow today's action live with Flashscore.

10:28 CET - That is it for today, but fear not, we will be back in just a few hours for live coverage from day four! In the meantime, check out our latest daily highlights piece from day three at the World Cup.

07:56 CET - All over in Vancouver, and it's Australia who are victorious, beating Turkey 2-0 thanks to goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.

In truth, it was their defensive display that has seen them to three points. Blocks, interceptions and key saves from Patrick Beach saw them home, giving them a great foothold in Group D with the USA to come in Seattle next.

Turkey were wasteful, but were restricted to long shots throughout the game. Kenan Yildiz made a difference when he came off the bench in the second half - he has to start, you'd feel, against Paraguay as they look to get their campaign back on track.

Read the report now.

07:50 CET - Into six minutes of added time, Turkey still probing on the edge of the box, as they have for the entire game, but Australia remain resolute...

07:44 CET - Just five minutes left of normal time in BC Place, and it has to be now for Turkey. Hakan Cahanoglu tries his luck with a free-kick, but Patrick Beach is there again to tip it away from danger. In his first competitive game for Australia, the goalkeeper has not put a foot wrong.

07:37 CET - Patrick Beach, take a bow! Akturktoglu looks to have pulled one back for Turkey, only for the Australian stopper to react quickly to get his body in the way.

The stars are aligning here for the Socceroos and the keeper, currently on an 8.3 rating, is leading the way.

07:33 CET - The sucker punch from Australia! After all the Turkey pressure, the Socceroos lead 2-0!

Connor Metcalfe strides forward and, from 20 yards, strikes the perfect shot into the bottom corner, doubling their lead and giving Turkey a mountain to climb.

07:27 CET - A much-needed break for Australia and Mohamed Toure, who has gone down with cramp. The Socceroos need to regroup as Turkey, led by substitute Kenan Yildiz, are threatening down their left side. Blocks flying in from the Aussie defenders, can they hold on?

07:20 CET - Goalscorer Nestory Irankunda leaves the field to a standing ovation as he is replaced by Nishan Velupillay - a straight swap for some fresh legs out wide.

07:17 CET - Tension builds as Arda Guler steps up for a free-kick, forcing Patrick Beach to fumble it into the path of Kenan Yildiz, but he can't get the ball out of his feet and Australia survive. A goal is coming...

07:13 CET - Australia now on the attack, forcing Urgucan Cakir into a smart save from a corner. You feel, with 35 minutes to play, this can still be won by either side.

07:09 CET - The impact of Kenan Yildiz is already being felt as Turkey start this second half brightly. The ball is coming down his flank, and they create an opening for Hakan Calhanoglu, whose effort is deflected into the ground and then over the bar. Encouraging signs for the Turkish contingent inside BC Place.

07:04 CET - Time for the big guns. Vincenzo Montella has gone to his bench for Turkey to start the second half, bringing on Juventus' forward Kenan Yildiz for Baris Yilmaz. Australia are unchanged as we get underway.

07:00 CET - Plenty of you in Europe will be waking up to check Flashscore and see what has happened overnight. Have no fear, head over to the homepage of our news site to get all the reaction from Brazil and Morocco's draw as well as Scotland's narrow victory over a Haiti side that came out swinging.

06:50 CET - Half-time in Vancouver, and Australia have a deserved lead at the break despite Turkey's dominance on the ball.

That breakaway finish from Nestory Irankunda has given the Socceroos a lead to defend, and they are defiantly holding their line.

Vincenzo Montella's side is lacking presence up top to combat the imposing back three, perhaps that is something he will do at the break?

06:41 CET - Another effort from range for Turkey, this time Arda Guler shoots wide. He throws his head up in frustration - it's been an occasion - on his World Cup debut - that has not lived up to expectation so far.

06:37 CET - Turkey have yet to really change anything with their approach despite going a goal down, making life quite easy for Australia to snuff out any danger. A long ball, a rare thing from the Turkish, nearly finds the onrushing Zeki Celik from right-back, but Patrick Beach is out to claim it. 

06:30 CET - Off the post! Turkey nearly make an instant impact as Abdulkerim Bardakci lets fly from range, only to strike the woodwork. With the replay, Patrick Beach gets fingertips to the hit - a great save from the goalkeeper!

06:26 CET - Australia hit the front, against the run of play!

A long ball over the top gives Nestory Irankunda time to run, and with his first real involvement all night, he shows great composure to beat two before slotting home.

Time to sit back and soak it up if you're an Aussie...

06:23 CET - The first hydration break is here, and Australia remain resolute in defence to keep it goalless against Turkey.

They have limited their opponents to long shots so far, with Ferdi Kadioglu going closest, although it never troubled the target.

On the break, Mohamed Toure has looked like a keen runner, getting in behind once or twice. 

06:16 CET - Set plays will be a big weapon for the Aussies tonight, and a floated corner from Connor Metcalfe almost finds the intended target, but Ugurcan Cakir does just enough to snuff out the danger.

06:12 CET - The pattern of play has been set in Vancouver. Australia with just 16 completed passes in the opening 11 minutes, compared to Turkey's 106, suggests one team may have come for a draw...

06:03 CET - As noted before kick-off, Australia are sitting deep in a back five out of possession, allowing players like Arda Guler time to move forward with the ball. The first time the Turkish wonderkid gets on the ball, a roar erupts around BC Place. We could be in Istanbul with the noise levels.

06:00 CET - Anthems sung, time to get down to business in Vancouver. Tony Popovic has raised some eyebrows with his team selection, but can his Australia side deliver against a technical Turkey side?

05:50 CET - Both sets of fans have been incredibly loud inside BC Place, and we are nearly ready for kick-off.

These two sides have never faced off in a competitive game. What can we expect tonight?

05:12 CET - We will have some reaction from Scotland's win over Haiti later on today, but now we focus on Saturday's - or Sunday's - final game, coming from Vancouver, where Turkey and Australia face off in Group D.

The atmosphere in the city has been building all day with both sides knowing a win is paramount if they are to keep pace with the US, who thrashed Paraguay on Friday.

The lineups are in for both sides, and the big surprise for the Socceroos is the absence of Jackson Irvine from the starting lineup. The St Pauli man has become a figurehead for this side, but he misses out as Tony Popovic looks to keep it tight with a 5-4-1 system. There's also a spot in the starting XI for Patrick Beach, preferred to the experience of Mat Ryan in Australia's goal.

Meanwhile, Turkey's own talisman, Arda Guler, does start, lining up on the right-hand side, but it's unlikely he will stay there once the game gets going.

Flashscore's Josh Donaldson is in Vancouver for us tonight, reporting: "It's a sea or red and yellow inside BC Place, with the support very evenly spread. With the roof on, it doesn't take much for this stadium to feel cavernous, and I expect if Turkey do take the lead, we could have a hole in it later tonight."

05:01 CET - Scotland fans, breathe... Your side has gone top of Group C thanks to a 1-0 win over Haiti, but that does not tell the story of the game.

Haiti, back in the World Cup for the first time since 1954, were excellent throughout, throwing men forward at every opportunity. But Scotland just about held firm, keeping that clean sheet and earning all three points through John McGinn's 28th-minute winner.

Read the report now.

04:55 CET - Into stoppage time in what has been a superb second half of attritional football as two sides scrap for everything. We will have six additional minutes.

04:48 CET - Was that the moment for Haiti? A wonderful ball from the right finds the head of Frantzdy Pierrot, but he can't keep it on target as it flashes wide of Angus Gunn's goal.

04:42 CET - Here comes Haiti! Minutes of pressure now, bodies forward in search of an equaliser - Scotland are hanging on at the moment. A surprise of sorts - Steve Clarke will know just how important a win here is, but they will need to improve for Morocco and Scotland. Haiti just want a leveller with 10 minutes remaining.

04:37 CET - Big chance for Scotland to put the game to bed, but goalscorer John McGinn slides it wide despite being through.

Down the other end, a sliding Wilson Isidor can't quite get on the end of a low shot - suddenly, this game has sparked back into life.

04:30 CET - The second hydration break is here, and still, Scotland lead Haiti 1-0. A good time for it, in truth, with both sides able to regroup. What advice can Haiti's coaching staff give to get a spark out of their players?

04:25 CET - Scrappy now as both teams look desperate for some reinforcements from the bench. Scotland the better side, but that threat from Haiti lingers. They will not want the same fate as Switzerland from earlier in the day against Qatar.

04:16 CET - A much calmer affair in the opening stages of the second half between Scotland and Haiti. A teasing ball from Louicius Deedson evades everyone in the Scottish box, as Haiti continue to pose a problem.

04:09 CET - Back underway for the second half in the US, no changes at the break from either side - a sign that both managers will be happy with their teams' performance in the first 45.

03:52 CET - Half-time in the second Group C game today, and it's Scotland who go down the tunnel the happier, thanks to John McGinn's 28th-minute opener against Haiti.

Despite the scoreline, the Carribeans have threatened throughout the contest, despite not registering a shot on target throughout the 45 minutes.

Can they find another gear in the second half?

03:39 CET - Despite going a goal down, Haiti have been valiant in response, creating two or three chances without testing Angus Gunn. As their fans roar them on at Foxborough, there is plenty to be encouraged by eight minutes before the break.

03:33 CET - Scotland ahead against Haiti! He's been quiet so far, but it's John McGinn who has put them ahead with an effort from the edge of the box.

03:25 CET - The first hydration break of the game has arrived. We're still goalless, as Wilson Isidor claims a penalty, but the referee says nothing doing. We've had no shots on target as of yet, but it can't be long.

03:20 CET - Off the post! It's end-to-end stuff now, as Scotland go closest so far through Scott McTominay. A long ball from the talisman finds Ben Gannon-Doak, and McTominay gets onto the end of the return pass, rattling the upright from the edge of the box. This is a good, open game.

03:17 CET - Haiti really growing into this contest, and for the last few minutes, have bossed possession with Scotland now the more passive side. 

Balls in from wide is their tactic, and they are causing some panic with Wilson Isidor nearly getting onto the end of one of the crosses.

03:12 CET - All 10 outfielders behind the ball for Haiti as they look to frustrate Scotland, before countering. Both sides are going old-school tonight with 4-4-2 systems. Louicius Deedson is nearly able to get onto a cross as the Haitians get forward.

03:06 CET - Scotland are barreling forward in the early exchanges, trying to catch Haiti cold - both Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams seem to create openings only for the door to be shut.

03:00 CET - Here we go then, national anthems belted out by both sides, this game means a lot to all in Boston tonight.

02:50 CET - Just 10 minutes to go until Scotland make their first World Cup appearance for 28 years, and they have their talisman, Scott McTominay, raring to go for this big game against Haiti.

02:10 CET - We will bring you all of the reaction from New Jersey later on tonight, but let's turn our attention to the other game in Group C.

After the draw between Brazil and Morocco, it gives the two sides playing from 03:00 CET a golden chance to top the standings after the first matchday.

Scotland are heavy favourites, with Opta giving them a near 60% chance of winning the clash. For Haiti, back in the tournament for the first time in more than 50 years, they will hope that they can get something out of what is, on paper, their easiest game.

02:05 CET - All over in New Jersey, and Brazil and Morocco share the spoils after a 1-1 draw. Morocco, the better side, but Brazil with the individual brilliance that typified the clash.

The result opens the door for either Haiti or Scotland to top Group C at the end of the day.

Read the match report right now.

02:04 CET - Morocco, no! It's a brilliant reaction from Alisson to stop the rebound after his save was spilt. Is that the last chance of the clash?

01:56 CET - It's becoming scrappy as both sides tire and we head into stoppage time with 10 minutes on the board.

01:48 CET - Hearts in mouths for Morocco's fans as a weak backpass from Issa Diop sees Raphinha bearing down on goal. Bono gets there first, but the pair collide, and the goalkeeper is down injured with a shoulder issue.

01:40 CET - Around 15 minutes left to play in our second match of the 'day', and since the break, Morocco have come back into it, with Brazil able to fend them off. Will we see a late goal?

01:33 CET - Chances have dried up as we head to the second hydration break of the game, posing an interesting thought that both sides could be happy with a point. Given their world ranking of sixth and seventh, they will feel confident that they can see off Group C's other two sides, Haiti and Scotland.

It puts a lot more pressure on both of those sides to start their tournament with a win, a game that is coming up at 03:00 CET.

Here are the lineups for the clash in Foxborough.

01:28 CET - Speaking of blood, Fabinho has a cut on his lip, which he needs to get seen to. As that happens, Morocco are now making changes, with Bilal El Khanouss and Brahim Diaz to be replaced by two young guns, Chemsdine Talbi and Samir El Mourabet.

01:25 CET - Carlo Ancelotti smells blood in the water as his side are now on top, pressing well and restricting a Morocco side who were on top in the first half.

The Italian opts for another double change, with Matheus Cunha and Luiz Henrique on for Lucas Paqueta and the quiet Igor Thiago.

Brazil have now made four changes, Morocco yet to freshen things up.

01:16 CET - The game, you feel, will be decided on the flank that contains Achraf Hakimi and Vinicius Jr. Both players are surging forward in search of goals, and it is seen most, when the Morocco right-back loses the ball, only to see the space he left occupied by the Real Madrid player, who drives into the box, gets a cross off before it's cleared.

It's a tantalising battle between two of the best in the world.

01:10 CET - Back underway as Brazil make two changes at the break, with Fabinho and Danilo on for Casemiro and Roger Ibanez, who both picked up yellow cards in the first half, as Carlo Ancelotti will want to see plenty more from his team.

00:53 CET - Half-time in New Jersey, and we are all square at 1-1 between Brazil and Morocco.

The first game with two big guns has not disappointed so far, in what is shaping up to be a thrilling second half.

Both sides have had their moments, as you can see from the match momentum.

00:51 CET - Joga bonito from Brazil, stopped by Bono! Lucas Paqueta tries a spectacular overhead kick from inside the area, and the Morocco goalkeeper tips it wide. Fair to say, since the equaliser, the South Americans have been the more threatening side, but this is a real even battle, one that would not feel out of place in the latter stages of the World Cup.

00:47 CET - Two minutes to go until half-time, and Roger Ibanez is the next player into the book, stopping Brahim Diaz on the counter - reminiscent of Morocco's opener. 

00:41 CET - Despite conceding, Morocco are not letting up, forcing Casemiro into a late challenge, which sees the former Manchester United midfielder into the book with the first yellow of the encounter.

00:36 CET - Brazil back level! Vinicius Jr cuts inside from the left and fires it past Bono to make it 1-1 in New Jersey. It's Carlo Ancelotti's side's first real effort of the game, and that's the quality they have needed.

It's Vini's ninth goal in his 50th appearance, none are bigger.

00:28 CET - The referee has blown the whistle and gestures for the players to head to their benches for the cooling break. Morocco have looked the better team so far, and were efficient in getting in front. 

Interestingly, Morocco have won all seven previous games in which Saibari has scored for them. Can they keep that up?

00:25 CET - And Morocco break the deadlock! Brahim Diaz plays in Ismael Saibari, who chips Alisson from outside of the box. The Atlas Lions lead 1-0 20 minutes in.

00:15 CET - A strong start from Morocco in New Jersey - they have had the better of the chances so far, with six shots on target compared to Brazil's zero, but we still wait for our first real opener of this hotly-anticipated game.

00:04 CET - The biggest game of the World Cup so far, Brazil’s tournament opener against Morocco, is now underway in New Jersey.

Follow every kick with our LIVE audio commentary via the link above!

23:30 CET - Well, with Qatar snatching a draw from the Swiss, we’ve had the tournament’s first big shock! Now, our attention turns to New Jersey’s massive MetLife Stadium for the game of the day: Brazil vs Morocco.

Are we in for another surprise result there? You’ll be able to follow every kick via the link above!

23:05 CET - It's all over at Levi's Stadium, and Qatar have snatched a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Switzerland for their first-ever World Cup point thanks to a 94th-minute equaliser!

Read our full match report here!

The stats tell the story: 26 shots to seven, 3.25 xG to 0.76, 68 per cent possession... The Swiss should have won this match comfortably, but they didn't take their chances, and they were duly punished at the death by the Qataris, who will celebrate this draw like a famous win.

23:01 CET - Would you believe it, Qatar have scored a late leveller against Switzerland!!!

Boualem Khoukhi jumped the highest to connect with a perfect cross from Homam Al Amin. It's now 1-1 in California, and the Swiss only have themselves to blame - they should have put this match away a long time ago.

22:35 CET - The main event today is undoubtedly Brazil’s tournament opener against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in the shadow of the Big Apple. The match kicks off at midnight, and we have the teamsheets in - see who’s starting below!

The big news for Selecao fans is that Igor Thiago will lead the line, with Raphinha and Vinicius Junior in support. PSG star Achraf Hakimi leads Morocco, while Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz also starts.

Ahead of the contest, take a look at our exclusive interviews with former Brazil players Alexandre Pato and Denilson!

22:13 CET - The Group B clash between the Swiss and Qatar is back underway for its second half! With the Qataris only trailing 1-0, there is a huge opportunity to spring a surprise on the wasteful Nati, who could have scored three or four in the first period.

You can follow the action with our LIVE audio commentary via the link above!

21:56 CET - At half-time at Levi’s Stadium, Switzerland are leading Qatar 1-0 thanks to Breel Embolo’s penalty. The Swiss will probably be kicking themselves for not being further ahead at the break, and they have to be careful not to get complacent in the second half because the Qataris have had some chances on the counter. 

Check out the key stats from the first half below!

We have a treat for you ahead of Brazil’s blockbuster clash with Morocco in just a few hours... Earlier this evening, Flashscore’s Fabio Russomando spoke exclusively with former Selecao and Milan forward Alexandre Pato about the country’s chances at the World Cup and his former club. Find that exclusive interview here!

21:22 CET - Breel Embolo has coolly fired the Swiss into a 1-0 lead over Qatar by slotting home from the spot!

The penalty was awarded after the Qatari keeper, Mahmoud Abunada, threw himself into Remo Freuler to commit a blatant foul in the box.

There were questions over whether there might have been an offside before the ill-timed challenge, but certainly not over whether it was foul.

Abunada also went down badly after his head hammered into Freuler's knee. He is ok, though, and escaped a red card with only a yellow given.

21:15 CET - The game between Qatar and Switzerland is well underway now at Levi's Stadium, but while we await the first goal, let's take a moment to appreciate this record: By starting today, Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez have set a new joint record for the most World Cup appearances for the Swiss national team, 13!

20:55 CET - We are only a few minutes from kick-off at the Levi's Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area for today's first match, between Qatar and Switzerland, who meet in the second Group B fixture of the World Cup.

You can follow the action with our LIVE audio commentary via the link above!

Outside the ground, fans of both sides were getting along just fine, dancing away in the Californian sunshine and fully embracing the 'festival of football' vibes. It's reportedly very hot, with temperatures getting close to 30 degrees Celsius already. May the best team win!

19:42 CET - Team news is in for the first match of the evening at the World Cup as Qatar face Switzerland! There are no major shocks in the starting lineups for either side as both coaches have unsurprisingly gone with strong sides.

Granit Xhaka captains a Swiss side with a nice balance of experience and youth, whilst star player, Akram Afif, starts on the left wing for a Qatari side who are playing the role of underdogs this evening.

18:35 CET - The final match of day three sees an exciting and youthful Turkey take on Australia. Real Madrid's Arda Guler is set to make his World Cup debut at just 21, and there is a lot of excitement around him and a few other youngsters in the Turkish ranks. 

You can read more about the Turkish stars of the present and future in Flashscore's latest feature.

17:10 CET - One of the nations getting their campaign started this evening is Haiti, and Flashscore's Pablo Gallego spoke exclusively with their defender Jean-Kevin Duverne about what it means for the team and the country to reach the finals, as well as facing Group C heavyweights Brazil and Morocco.

Find our interview with Duverne here!

16:50 CET - The exclusives don't stop with Grafite, we also have an interview up with former Netherlands player Daley Blind, who featured heavily at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups. He talks about going out of those tournaments in heartbreaking fashion, as well as the current Dutch side's chances this year.

Read our exclusive with Daley Blind here! 

14:45 CET - We are still some time away from kick-off in the day's first match, but there is no shortage of content to sink your teeth into in the build-up to play...

Recently, our Brazilian desk spoke exclusively to former Brazil and Wolfsburg striker Grafite about the Selecao's chances at the World Cup, the players he thinks will shine, and his impression of the current German side, too.

Take a read of that exclusive interview here!

And if you want to read more exclusives, why not take a look at this one with former Sweden star Glenn Stromberg? 

Stromberg sheds light on his nation's expectations and even reminisces about Italia '90. Sweden are in Group F, and get their campaign underway tomorrow night.

12:45 CET - Good afternoon and welcome back to our live coverage at the World Cup! Today promises another thrilling evening of group-stage action - in fact, the biggest yet - as five-time champions Brazil join the party against a Moroccan side that reached the 2022 semi-finals.

Before that box-office clash, though, there is an intriguing Group B match between Qatar and Switzerland. Switzerland, led by captain Granit Xhaka are the huge favourites with Xhaka talking up his side's chances in the tournament in general ahead of tonight's game.

Switzerland are inside the top 20 of the World Rankings, and we saw at Qatar's home World Cup in 2022 that they aren't a particularly dangerous or talented team. There is thus every reason to expect a convincing Swiss win. 

Following that clash is the biggest game of the tournament so far as Brazil take on Morocco from 00:00 CET at the MetLife Stadium. That is a match-up to whet the appetite of football fans around the globe, and it would take a brave person to predict the outcome.

Later on, Haiti take on Scotland at 03:00 CET, before Australia face Turkey at 06:00 CET. What a day of football ahead!

Catch up on all the drama from day two with our daily highlights, or relive all the action as it unfolded in the day two live tracker.