'Duke's Winning Goal' Australia Beats Tunisia, Boosts Hope for Round of 16 Advancement

Australia's Mitchell Duke celebrates after scoring a header in the 23rd minute of the first half during the second group stage match of Group D against Tunisia at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, on the 26th in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Australia defeated Tunisia, raising hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time in 16 years.

In the second match of Group D in the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup group stage held on the 26th at Al Wakrah Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar, Australia secured a 1-0 victory over Tunisia with a header goal by Mitchell Duke.

Australia took a step closer to the Round of 16 ticket, which is awarded to the top two teams in the group. Although they lost 1-4 to the 'title favorite' France earlier, they earned 3 points by defeating Tunisia on this day. The final Group D match against Denmark remains on the 1st of next month at midnight.

Australia first appeared in the World Cup finals at the 1974 West Germany tournament, where 16 teams participated, but suffered elimination in the group stage. Then, in the 2006 Germany tournament, they succeeded in reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in history. After that, they have now seized the opportunity again after 16 years. It is also their first World Cup finals victory in 8 matches and 12 years since the third group stage match against Serbia in the 2010 South Africa tournament.

Tunisia drew 1-1 with Denmark in the first match, but after losing to Australia before facing France, the alarm was raised for their first-ever advancement to the Round of 16 knockout stage.

On this day, Australia and Tunisia engaged in a probing battle in the early first half to secure their 'first win' of the tournament. In the 18th minute of the first half, Tunisia launched a counterattack where Issam Jebali penetrated the right side inside the penalty box and delivered a ground pass to Youssef Msakni, creating a threat. However, Msakni did not manage to connect the shot. The first shot of the match by both teams came in the 20th minute when Mohamed Dr?ger's attempt flew over the goal.

In the 23rd minute of the first half, Australia had a chance. Riley McGree opened space on the left with a low, fast pass from the center, and Craig Goodwin, who received the ball, attempted a cross near the left corner of the penalty box.

The ball deflected off Tunisia's Mohamed Dr?ger's foot and flew toward Duke, who was sprinting toward the goal. Duke redirected the ball’s height and direction with his head, ultimately shaking the net.

Tunisia fiercely counterattacked, but Australia's goal remained intact. In the 40th minute of the first half, Dr?ger connected a shot from a pass by Msakni inside the penalty box, but Australia's defender Kai Rowles dived to block it.

In the second half, Tunisia launched an all-out attack centered on Msakni, but no goals were scored. Australia focused on defense in the second half and threatened the opponent with counterattacks, employing a 'defensive football' strategy.

In the 26th minute of the second half, Msakni’s powerful left-footed shot was saved by Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. In the 30th minute, a ball that touched Msakni’s head went over the goalpost. Montassar Talbi’s mid-range shot from in front of the penalty arc was also stopped by the goalkeeper straight on.

In the 42nd minute of the second half, another chance was missed. Wajdi Kechrida penetrated the right side and sent a low cross, which Wahbi Khazri struck with his left foot, but it was caught by Australian goalkeeper Ryan.

Montassar Talbi of Tunisia is surpassing Mitchell Duke of Australia. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) [Image source=AP Yonhap News]