Morning Results and Group Standings
The day opened with a shock 1-1 draw between Switzerland and Qatar in Vancouver. Breel Embolo converted a penalty for Switzerland in the 17th minute, but Miro Muheim scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to cancel it out and split the points.
Brazil and Morocco also finished 1-1 in New Jersey in a tepid match that leaves the Group C favorites level on one point apiece after their opening fixtures. Scotland and Haiti were scheduled to follow, with either side able to move to the top of the Group C table with a win in their first match.
Group dynamics around Australia's campaign have tightened after the United States beat Paraguay 4-1 yesterday, making the Socceroos' group even more competitive heading into their opener.
Australia vs Turkey at BC Place
The headline fixture on day three is Australia against Turkey at BC Place in Vancouver. Vince Rugari and Ralston are covering the Socceroos' opening World Cup match from the stadium.
Turkey arrive with Kenan Yildiz as a central threat. The 21 year old Turkish superstar was highlighted ahead of the match after a standout moment in the opening Serie A match of the previous season, when Juventus faced Alessandro Circati and Parma. Yildiz had been probing on the left wing for nearly 60 minutes before he found space outside his marker, whipped a cross into the six yard box, and set up Jonathan David to side foot the goal past Circati.
Scotland vs Haiti Live Update
Scotland and Haiti returned for the second half of their Group C opener, and less than a minute into the restart Scotland's Arron Hickey was shown a yellow card for a bad foul on Ruben Providence.
Fan gatherings have tracked the action across time zones. At the Trinity in Sydney, supporters were offered cans of Irn Bru and a tartan trotter, described as a Scottish pork pie, for fans following Scotland's campaign.
England World Cup Kit Returned After U Haul Theft
England's World Cup kit has been returned after it was stolen while in transit across the United States. Three U Haul vans filled with the Three Lions' gear, including boots, balls, and physiotherapy equipment were pillaged between Florida and Kansas.
Two people were arrested in relation to the theft. Kansas City Police issued the following statement on the investigation:
We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived with items missing on Friday evening.The investigation is ongoing and two subjects of interest were taken into custody.
Additional details are not available at this point as the case is actively being investigated.
We are working with the prosecutors office for determination of applicable charges.
Vancouver Atmosphere
Reporting from BC Place, Vince Rugari described the scene in Vancouver as a sharp contrast to his previous men's World Cup experience in Qatar. He called the weather perfect and noted football fans were out in force across the city.
Granville Street has been blocked off to cars, and Rugari watched Brazil vs Morocco at a bar on Granville Street before heading to the stadium. The walk back from his hotel through the closed street cost him about 15 minutes because of the thickness of the crowd.
Australian supporters have also turned up in strong numbers across Vancouver ahead of the Socceroos' opening match at BC Place.
