There were wild celebratory scenes in Melbourne when Mathew Leckie scored the winner to send them through to the last 16.
Not minding the late kick-off time of 2 o'clock in the morning, hundreds of Australians flocked to Fed Square to watch their crucial match against Denmark. The Socceroos' goal to send them through was greeted by red flares and their fans going absolutely mental.
This is just as impressive (also from Fed Square). Show this video to people and I bet they wouldn’t guess it’s Australia.pic.twitter.com/OnUv2YL4vt
— Adam Millington (@AdamGMillington) November 30, 2022
The scenes in Australia when they scored.
It's 3.30am over there.
🎥 @TheRealALMpic.twitter.com/BEeUByrXEy— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 30, 2022
Scenes in @FedSquare after the #Socceroos goal! #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/CRZKqIvQak
— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) November 30, 2022
Historic Result
Australia's latest win means that they progress to the round of 16 for only the second time in their history. They were placed in a tough group with reigning World Champions France, Tunisia and Denmark. Having lost to France 4-1 in their opener, they won 1-0 against Tunisia before their triumph today.
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Ahead of the game, the Socceroos knew that they had their fate in their own hands. However, nervousness definitely fell upon their supporters when Tunisia took a shock lead against France in the 58th minute. At that time, Tunisia was going through in 2nd place alongside their opponents. Nevertheless, Australia quickly grabbed second spot back with a fine goal from Mathew Leckie.
On the counterattack, Leckie received the ball just past the halfway line. Faced with two defenders, he quickly turned to one side then the other before nutmegging one and putting the ball past Schmeichel into the net.
🇦🇺 1-0 🇩🇰
Matthew Leckie has given Australia the lead - they have one foot in the last 16...
📺Watch live now on @rte2 & @rteplayer : https://t.co/JYf06cJLAe
📱Live updates: https://t.co/UsIrwiC7jW#FIFAWorldCup #AUSDEN #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/Dyp8KYhYCO— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 30, 2022
The Socceroos then defending resolutely for the rest of the game. They had a scare ten minutes after the goal, as referee Mustapha Ghorbal pointed to the spot after a foul on Kasper Dolburg. However, the Danish forward was narrowly offside.
🇦🇺 1-0 🇩🇰
A let-off for Australia. Denmark thought they had a penalty - but the good people at VAR have given offside instead...
📺Watch live now on @rte2 & @rteplayer : https://t.co/JYf06cJLAe
📱Live updates: https://t.co/UsIrwiC7jW#FIFAWorldCup #AUSDEN #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/emojjFRZ0r— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 30, 2022
Australia then held out for the win making Tunisia's 1-0 win over France meaningless.
Tough Tie
As the second-placed team in Group D, Australia will play against Group C's winner in the next round. Their potential opponents all play tonight at 7:00pm and it can either be Poland, Argentina or Mexico depending on the results.
Whatever the time and result, the Australian fans have proved that they'll be behind their team no matter what.
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