Duke heads Australia past Tunisia

Mitchell Duke scored the only goal of the game as Australia won 1-0 against Tunisia as the Socceroos bounced back from their defeat to France.

Action: Much like in the game against France, it was Australia who took the lead. Craig Goodwin’s cross from the left took a deflection on its way into Mitchell Duke. But the forward, who plays in the Japanese second division for Fagiano Okayama, did well to steer his header into the far corner and beyond Aymen Dahmen. 

It was a first half that was interrupted by a lot of fouls with Tunisia struggling to create. However, the Tunisians did have two great chances in the final moments of the first half.

First Harry Souttar was needed to make a vital block to stop Mohamed Dräger’s on-target effort. Then in stoppage time of the first period, Youssef Msakni shot wide from a golden chance.

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The Ozzies had a great chance of doubling their lead in the 71st minute. Goodwin again down the left-hand side fizzing in a low ball that Jamie MacLaren was just inches away from connecting with – any sort of touch would surely have resulted in a goal.

The final moments saw some desperate defending with Australia happy to get clear the ball at any opportunity.

It worked for Graham Arnold’s team though, and they recorded three important points. They face Denmark in the final game, while Tunisia will need to win against France to be in with a chance.

Reaction: The goalscorer, Mitchell Duke: "The best moment of my life and my football career, there are no words. Just so happy and proud of the boys. We made so many sacrifices to get here. It is the best feeling in the world.

Honestly, I will go to war with these boys. A huge shift by the lads, keeping the clean sheet and getting a result, we fought until the end, everyone gave 110% and that is all you can ask. We showed the Aussie spirit and we got the result."

Magic Moment: Harry Souttar made a gigantic recovery tackle in the 86th minute to win the ball off Wahbi Khazri when the Tunisian looked like he would be through on goal.

Man of the Match: Kye Rowles and Aaron Mooy both stood out, but we're going to give it to Harry Souttar. The Stoke City man has had his fair share of injury issues in recent months but he was a rock at the back and had two vital interceptions during the game to help keep the Tunisians at bay.

xG: Tunisia (1.10) 0-1 (0.61) Australia

Stat of the Day: That was Australia's first World Cup clean sheet since a 0-0 draw with Chile in 1974.

TWELVE. YEARS.
THREE. POINTS.
THESE. BLOKES.#TUN 0-1 #AUS | #FIFAWorldCup #GiveIt100 #Socceroos pic.twitter.com/aspxIrW9UE

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 26, 2022