Duke rules, and Hibee Boyle is OVM
Jubilant Graham Arnold hailed the “Aussie spirit” of his side after this win ignited their World Cup.
Mitchell Duke’s superb header gave the Socceroos – beaten 4-1 by France in the Group D opener – a first win at a finals in 12 years, and set up what is likely to be a straight shoot-out with Denmark for a place in the last 16.
“I’m hugely proud of the boys. They showed that great fighting Aussie spirit,” said Arnold.
“Our fight and our grit and our determination – the old Aussie way – was very important.
“We said to the boys, ‘Let’s put a smile on the nation’s face’.
“I can imagine the celebrations
at home. There will be a few hangovers in the morning – but I won’t have one.”
Australia were facing a Tunisia side who had kept a clean sheet in nine of their previous 10 matches.
But that stingy defence was breached when Australia played the ball out long from the back.
It was smuggled out to Craig Goodwin down the left wing.
His cross took a deflection, but Duke was able to re-adjust and conjure up a superb glancing, looping header over Tunisia keeper Aymen Dahmen.
Hibs winger Martin Boyle was on crutches at the centre of an emotional Australian huddle after the final whistle.
The 29-year-old has stayed on in Qatar, despite having to withdraw from the squad due to a knee injury.
Said Arnold: “He’s part of the staff now, the ‘OVM’ – Official Vibe Manager – to keep all the boys up. He deserves it for what he did for us in the qualifying campaign.”
Head coach Jalel Kadri said:
“It was, as expected, a very tough match with two very hungry, strong teams who wanted three points.
“We still have one match to go and we will play our hearts out against France.”