Australia’s path to getting out of the World Cup group stage is clear after overnight results.
The Socceroos' 1-0 triumph over Tunisia on Saturday night marked the side’s third-ever win at a World Cup and came off the back of a spectacular header by Mitch Duke.
Duke found the back of the net in the 23rd minute in what was one of the only occasions the Australians had a genuine chance to score.
Special moment https://t.co/odPr0ioqZq
— Mitchell Duke (@mitchduke8) November 26, 2022
The only other shot on target – another header from Duke off a set piece – failed to trouble Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.
On the flip side, Tunisia dominated possession, had more shots on target and fluffed a couple of good looks.
It was still a performance that impressed coach Graham Arnold, but he warned his players against getting ahead of themselves.
A win 12 years in the making!
— SEN 1170 (@1170sen) November 26, 2022
The moment when Australia kept the World Cup dream alive against Tunisia
Catch every #Qatar2022 moment live on the SEN app: https://t.co/SHOFQ6UgiV#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/DYWnlo0Lbq
“It’s the first clean sheet we’ve held at a World Cup since 1974, which is crazy,” Arnold said.
“But it’s just one game. Today obviously the opposition wasn’t as good as the world champions but I felt that our performance, our fight and our grit and determination – the old Aussie way – was very important.
“I just said to them that the nation is extremely proud, but we’ve done nothing.
“You’ve achieved something we can talk about after the tournament, but we are here to go as far as we can go.
“I don’t want any celebration. Just enjoy this couple of minutes with the Australian fans here in the stadium then get yourself in the dressing room, ice baths, recover, and get ready for the next one. I don’t want them sitting up all night looking at social media. It’s about getting sleep, recovering well and being ready in the morning.”
ALL. THE. FEELS.
— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) November 26, 2022
Graham Arnold's reactions sum it up perfectly. What a moment for our @Socceroos! 😍#FIFAWorldCup #SBSWorldCup #WeAllSpeakFootball pic.twitter.com/ppnsttWCmU
The Socceroos were also boosted by the news of France’s win over Denmark early on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Denmark drew with Tunisia in its opening game and is still winless after their defeat to the reigning world champions.
Onto the next! France’s 2-1 win over Denmark moves them onto the round of 16.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 26, 2022
🎥 Watch the match highlights on FIFA+
Provided France doesn’t lose to Tunisia – which would be among the biggest upsets seen at a World Cup – the Socceroos need only a draw to advance to Round of 16.
A win against Denmark will see Australia advance regardless of other results.
Above all else, Australia’s fate is in its own hands.
All Group D countries have played three games and have one remaining. France is on six points, Australia three, while Denmark and Tunisia share a point each from their draw.
Australia plays Denmark on Thursday at 2:00am (AEDT), the same time as France and Tunisia clash.