It has been 22 years since Turkiye last featured at a World Cup, and the Crescent Stars will be hoping they can return to the tournament with a win in their opening game. They face Australia, a side that may not have the star power of some of the other nations in their group, but they make up for this with their never-say-die spirit.

Turkiye go into the fixture as favourites, spearheaded by Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler, who will be looking to have a memorable tournament debut.  A win for the Turks will be vital if they want to set themselves up for a successful run in this year's World Cup.

On the other side of the tie are the Socceroos, who are making their sixth straight appearance at the tournament and will want to build on their last-16 finish four years ago in Qatar. Tony Popovic is at the helm for this year's campaign and will be hoping he can guide his nation to an even better run in America.

It is a matchup that may not scream entertainment, and with it being a 9 pm kick-off (5 a.m. BST) it may not even attract the most eyes. However, it is certainly a fixture to keep an eye out for, as it will have huge repercussions for how the rest of the group stage plays out.

The two sides have only played each other twice, in international friendlies just three days apart from each other. Both times Turkiye emerged victorious, but it has been over 20 years since these games were played, and The Socceroos' have gained plenty of experience on the biggest stage in football since these matches.

It means history will be made at the BC Place stadium, as it will be the first time the two nations have ever faced each other competitively. 

Tactically, it is likely to be a game of attack versus defence, with Australia looking to hurt Turkiye on the break, and frustrate their opponent's talented attackers. It will be down to Crescent Stars to dismantle Australia's  low-block, which should be fairly doable if the  likes of Kenan Yildiz and the previously mentioned Guler can get themselves on the ball.

There are no major injury concerns for either side going into Friday's game, so both managers have a full squad of players to choose from. Mohamed Toure being the only slight doubt after missing a training session earlier in the week for the Socceroos, but team officials expect him to remain available for selection.

On paper, The Turks posses the squad with more recognisable names and an overall higher technical quality. Youngsters Guler and Yildiz provide sufficient attacking threat whilst veteran midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu is expected to be pulling the strings in the middle for his country.

Whilst the Socceroos may not have a side brimming with household names, the Aussies have identified that the pressure is on The Turks, which is something they can use to their advantage.

Defender Milos Degnek explained, "I think ​Turkey's got a lot of pressure as well because they haven't been to a major tournament World Cup since 2002,"

 "There's a lot hope ​on them and a lot pressure, but we're ready for that definitely."

If players like Degnek can prevent Turkey's star players having time and space on the ball, it will give Australia a huge chance to secure a draw or even nick a win against one of the group favourites, and send a defiant message to other nations.

The opening match of a World Cup for any nation is important, but for Australia and Türkiye, it is almost vital that each side puts in a solid performance. Although Turkiye are favourites, the sheer magnitude of the occasion could cause mistakes from players they usually wouldn't make, and will need an early goal to settle nerves.

For the Socceroos, their game plan is pretty straightforward, make the match a physical battle, and limit the amount of time Türkiye's key players have on the ball. The Popovic system provides a tough test to any nation Australia face, and allows for his side to win the game with minimal chances.

Whilst it might not be the prettiest game of the tournament, Türkiye's attacking quality should just about see them over the line in this one. However don't be surprised if the Socceroos defy the odds once again on football's biggest stage.

Final Score: Turkiye 1-0 Australia