Mitchell Duke’s spectacular header propelled Australia to a 1-0 Group D victory over Tunisia at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.
Duke scored the game’s only goal with a header past Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen in the first half, helping the Socceroos secure three critical points in a group that also contains France and Denmark.
Australia then valiantly repelled Tunisia’s powerful assault and secured a decisive victory in stoppage time.
The first opportunity for Tunisia to score occurred in the nineteenth minute, but captain Youssef Msakni pulled off the field, and defender Mohamed Drager missed the target.
The victory over Tunisia was Australia’s third in the World Cup, and their greatest performance came in 2006 when they advanced to the Round of 16.
The Socceroos have a similar objective when they face Denmark in their last group match on Wednesday, as a win over the Danes would propel them into the Round of 16.
Tunisia, who have yet to experience victory at the ongoing World Cup with a goalless draw against Denmark and a tight 1-0 loss to Australia, face defending champion France in their final group encounter on November 30 in a must-win situation to advance to the Round of 16.
