Australians join France in reaching next stage
MATHEW Leckie claimed a fine second-half winner as Australia masterminded a World Cup shock by progressing to the knockout stages with a 1-0 victory which eliminated Denmark.
The Socceroos and the Danes were both in danger of crashing out of the tournament due to Tunisia taking the lead against reigning champions France in the other Group D fixture.
But Leckie had other ideas and delivered the knockout blow for the Danes with a superb solo effort in the 60th minute to send Australia into the last 16 for the first time since 2006.
The Melbourne City forward ran almost half the length of the pitch and twisted and turned Joakim Maehle before calmly finishing beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
Denmark offered little in response, albeit they were denied a penalty by an offside flag when Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal pointed to the spot following Harry
Souttar’s adjudged foul on Kasper Dolberg.
Graham Arnold’s men, who finished the group behind France on goal difference, will face one of Poland, Argentina or Saudi Arabia in the second round on Saturday.
Wahbi Khazri’s superb solo goal secured Tunisia a famous victory against reigning champions France but Australia’s shock win against Denmark meant they still made a heart-breaking World Cup exit.
Didier Deschamps made sweeping alterations for the Group D finale at Education City Stadium after Les Bleus became the first side to seal their place in the round of 16.
France still had the quality to win but ex-Sunderland man Khazri’s moment of magic secured Tunisia a 1-0 victory - their first World Cup win against European opponents after 11 previous attempts.
Wednesday’s result will live long in the memory but Mathew Leckie’s strike 14 miles away proved a knockout blow for Jalel Kadri’s side as Australia progressed instead.
Antoine Griezmann looked to have landed another gut punch when equalising deep in stoppage time, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside after the VAR’s intervention.
Tunisia’s superb fans showed their appreciation to their players at full-time, where France topped Group D despite the shock loss.
In today’s games, one of Croatia or Belgium could be eliminated as the two go head-to-head at 3pm.
Croatia top Group F with four points, alongside Morocco, with Belgium in third place on three points.
Canada are already eliminated, butcan have a say in who progresses if they beat Morocco.
In Group E, Germany are staring at elimination as they find themselves bottom of Group E with one point and a -1 goal difference after two games.
They will be expected to beat Costa Rica (three points, -6 GD) in a group that could come down to goal difference.
Spain (+7)) lead the way with four points and face second-placed Japan (0), on three points, today.