Qatar secure memorable draw against Switzerland
Vinicius Jr scores stunner to rescue point for Brazil
McGinn seals narrow victory for Scotland over Haiti
Irankunda lights up stage as Australia down Türkiye
Qatar set a new FIFA World Cup™ benchmark in securing a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. The same scoreline, though, proved bittersweet for heavy hitters Brazil and Morocco.
In Boston, two teams with rich histories made their long-awaited comebacks to the global showpiece, and it was many happy returns for Scotland. Steve Clarke's side were made to sweat, however, before squeezing past Haiti thanks to John McGinn's first-half strike.
Australia arguably saved the best for last as they defeated Türkiye in Vancouver thanks to brilliant performances up front from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, as well as an equally impressive display at the other end from young goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
Qatar started poorly and finished with a fantastic flourish. They were down and almost out but a late, late own goal from Switzerland enabled the Asian team to secure their inaugural point in tournament history.
The Swiss looked on course for victory after taking a 17th-minute lead through Breel Embolo's penalty. Deep into stoppage time, Qatar captain Boualem Khoukhi went up for a header, which deflected off Miro Muheim and into the net to leave the 2022 hosts in dreamland.
This was a heavyweight battle in which neither side could land the knockout blow. These two prize fighters will nonetheless remain confident of going the distance at the 2026 finals.
Morocco struck first in New York New Jersey through a superbly constructed and executed Ismael Saibari goal, before Brazil bounced back through Vinicius Junior's moment of magic.
A deflected goal earned victory for Scotland as they celebrated their long-awaited return to the global showpiece with a narrow win over Haiti.
Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco left Steve Clarke's men with the chance to top Group C and, thanks to John McGinn's effort and a dogged defensive effort in the second half, they did just that. In their first World Cup since France 1998, the Scots are up and running.
Patrick Beach put in one of the performances of the World Cup so far as the 22-year-old goalkeeper repeatedly kept Türkiye at bay to inspire Australia to a memorable victory. The dangerous Nestory Irankunda got the Socceroos up and running in Vancouver ― and paid a direct tribute to legendary Australian forward Tim Cahill in his celebrations ― before Connor Metcalfe doubled the lead in style.
The day, though, belonged to Beach, who was surprisingly selected over Maty Ryan in goal and justified his selection in real style to thrust his name on the global stage.
Appearing in their fourth World Cup finals tournament, Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka made Swiss history with joint-record 13th appearances on the global stage.
This was the first match in which Vinicius Jr has scored for Brazil and not ended up on the winning side. The previous eight occasions all helped secure a win.
Scotland secured their first victory in a World Cup opener since their 5-2 win over New Zealand at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain™, and their first in the competition since beating Sweden 2-1 at Italia 90.
Nestory Irankunda, who is just 20, became Australia's youngest-ever scorer in the World Cup with his strike against Türkiye.
Sunday 14 June (all times local) 12:00 (Group E) 15:00 (Group F) 19:00 (Group E) 19:00 (Group F)
Sources: FIFA Official
