Tunisia 0-1 Australia: Socceroos battle to key victory for qualification hopes

Australia kept their qualification hopes alive at the expense of Tunisia in their 1-0 victory at the Al Janoub Stadium.

The win is just the Socceroos’ third at a World Cup, and came courtesy of a first-half Mitchell Duke header.

Victory here essentially sets up a playoff when Australia face Denmark on Wednesday, with the winner progressing to the last-16.

The importance of the occasion was evident by both side’s approach. It was obvious neither side wanted to take many risks, in fear of presenting a golden opportunity to their opponent.

A cagey start by both Tunisia and Australia was exemplified by Mohamed Drager’s wayward long distance shot in the 20th minute being the first attacking venture in the game.

The Socceroos grew into the game, sensing the opportunity that Tunisia were there for the taking.

This change in approach paid dividends in the 23rd minute. Craig Goodwin’s cross took a deflection before finding Mitchell Duke, whose impressive backwards header looped over Aymen Mathlouthi into the back of the net.

Duke excelled in his role, with his goal proving just reward.

Tunisian’s frustrations with Duke were clear, shown by the unnecessary throwing of the ball at Duke by substitute Hannibal Mejbri.

Moments like this, on the biggest stage of all, require individuals to stand up and lead their teammates into battle. Duke was one, and Harry Souttar was another.

Tunisia had the golden opportunity to draw level through Mohamed Drager, who found himself on the end of a dangerous ball into the box. However, Souttar put his body on the line, blocking the goalward effort.

The Eagles of Carthage did make their way into the game towards the end of the half, with putting their best chance before the half-time whistle wide from the centre of the box.

In the second half, Tunisia were able to find some joy down the left, but the absence of clear-cut opportunities was louder than the Tunisia fans who were urging their players forward at every chance.

Australia had a few chances of their own to put the game to bed, the most notable an excellent cross from substitute Jamie Maclaren that Mathew Leckie was inches from getting the necessary goalward touch.

Tunisia were desperate for an equaliser to keep their chances of qualifying for their first World Cup last-16 alive, but the chance did not come.

A late cross from Naim Sliti looked awkward to deal with, but the shot was blasted over the bar, much to the relief of the millions watching down under.

Souttar led from the front until the end, a brilliant sliding challenge preventing Sliti from bursting through one-on-one.

Tunisia could not make the most of the six minutes of added time, with Australia eventually coming out on top in a tight affair.

The Socceroos first World Cup win since 2010 was thoroughly deserved.

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