Hundreds of soccer fanatics have poured into Perth’s Northbridge Plaza to watch the Socceroos win against Turkey in the first game of the World Cup.

Wild crowds erupted in the first half as Australia’s Nestory Irankunda scored the game’s first goal in the 27th minute, and again in the second half with Connor Metcalfe in the 75th minute.

The Aussies held strong throughout the match, keeping Turkey off the scoreboard entirely.

It thrilled fans on Sunday, many who expected nothing more than underdog Socceroos to not embarrass themselves too much.

“I’d be happy with the draw at this stage, but my main thing is that this is what I like to see, you know, people out and about and bringing everyone together. But a draw would be.. I’d be happy with a draw,” Peter Greaves said.

“The coach has made some really interesting decisions. He’s dropped down a captain for the last, two World Cups and put a guy in goal for his first game, so he’s really gambled with it today.”

Others were just hoping to watch an exciting game unfold.

“I’d like to see as many goals as possible from either team,” Michael Dunn said, adding while he wanted the Socceroos to win, he didn’t think they would.

Another fan was looking to see both teams bring their best but suspected they would put on an equal performance.

“I’d be hoping for just a good game, just a reflection of where Australian football is at the moment, and also some challenge from another team,” he said.

“I guess I hope Australia wins, but I think it’s going to be a tough game. So, most likely a draw.”

Harry David wanted the Socceroos to do one thing: avoid embarrassment.

“Obviously, a win would be good. Yeah, barring that, just not a very disappointing loss or anything too embarrassing. I think we got this. I’d say it will be a low-scoring game,” he said.

“Maybe just a confident performance, nothing too shaky to give us worries going forward.”

Cedric, who was watching from the pub, believed the Australian underdog spirit would get the Socceroos over the line.

“We’re an underdog, but I hope that they fight for the win. Have a couple of good games, and then we’ll have a good party time after the game,” he said.

Mum Sandi Thomas and son Nathan Hua were excited to see some WA players shine.

“I just want Australia to win, and then the boys from here do well,” Ms Thomas said.

Pascal Jean, from the social media account Football Vibe, couldn’t contain his excitement after the first goal.

“That was the best moment, seeing Nestory Irankunda coming from refugee camp all the way to Australia, scoring the goals at the World Cup, that’s the best moment of his life,” he said, physically jumping for joy.

Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti expressed her pride at the WA representation.

“Three West Aussies out there, which you know, in the starting lineup, Cam Burgess, Jacob Italiano, and Alessandro Ducati with great links to WA. So it’s really exciting for WA.”

Marc Jones was confident the Socceroos were in with a good chance to finish in a decent World Cup position.

“I’d like a three-zero kind of win, but I reckon Turkey will probably get one later on, but I can see Aus getting another two goals,” he said.

“Honestly, I can see us making quarterfinals.“

As the rain set in over the Plaza, so too did the Socceroos’ dominance in the game’s closing minutes before officially claiming victory, sending fans into a complete frenzy.

“Amazing, brilliant, awesome. I haven’t felt this good since we qualified against Japan last year,” an ecstatic man said.

“One of our best performances in the World Cup history. I can’t believe it,” another said.

One fan was beside themselves over Nestory Irankunda, describing him “the best football player in the world”.

“Patrick Beach could save the Titanic,” someone else said.

Another fan, through inaudible yelling, said the moment was “unbelievable”.

One other couldn’t praise the Socceroos’ performance higher.

“The story here is Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, they just had absolute screamers today. The through balls were absolutely exceptional, gave us so many chances, and our defending was impeccable,” he said.

“Patrick Beach is a literal brick wall. Nothing gets past that guy.”