Australia forward Mitchell Duke scored the match-winning goal against Tunisia for his son and said it was a moment he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Duke capitalized on a positive start by Australia when he headed home Craig Goodwin’s cross to make it 1-0 after 23 minutes.
This sparked a wave of jubilant celebration from the small contingent of Australian fans behind the goal, momentarily silencing the hostile and unwavering support for Tunisia.
Knowing that defeat would mean an early exit from the World Cup, Australia held on to a narrow lead that kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the last 16.
“I spoke to my son when I was selected for the World Cup,” Duke said.
“You have to believe you can score [and] I told my son I’d share that moment with him. [Celebrating] a little ‘J’ for the first letter of his name.” was
“I haven’t seen him yet but apparently he did it to me at the stadium.
Laughed and jeered by a raucous crowd of red-clad fans at Al-Janoob Stadium, Australia held their nerve to claim their first World Cup victory since 2010.
They survived a desperate Tunisian attack in the second half, with Youssef Maskoni forcing goalkeeper Matthew Ryan into a save at his near post, although it came moments after Matthew Leckie headed home Goodwin’s cross at the other end. had come inches away from connecting with
Stoke City defender Harry Suter produced a number of key blocks and tackles as Australia won.
Australia, who suffered a humiliating defeat to France in their opening match, will face fierce rivals Denmark in the next round – but qualification is in their own hands.
“At the end of the day, it’s just a game. Nothing will change for us,” Australia boss Graham Arnold said.
“I told the players I’m very proud but we haven’t achieved anything at the moment. We’re here and we want to go as far as we can.
“I don’t want emotions from the players – staying up all night looking at social media and all that – I want them to recover and refocus.”
