Australia held on to a narrow first-half lead to earn a crucial win over Tunisia that keeps their hopes of advancing to the World Cup knockout stages alive.
Knowing that defeat would mean an early exit from the competition, Graham Arnold’s side emerged from the blocks full of energy and intent.
Mitchell Duke capitalized on their positive start when he superbly sent Craig Goodwin’s cross into the far corner to put them 1-0 up after 23 minutes.
It sparked a burst of jubilant celebration from the small contingent of Australian supporters behind the goal, which momentarily silenced the hostile and unwavering support for Tunisia.
Hissed and booed by clusters of red-draped supporters at the Al Janoub Stadium, Australia kept their composure to secure their first World Cup victory since 2010.
They survived a desperate attack from Tunisia in the second half, Youssef Msakni forcing goalkeeper Mathew Ryan into a save at his near post, although it came moments after Mathew Leckie pulled away from the connection with the cross of Goodwin at the other end.
Stoke City defender Harry Souttar put in a superb performance, making several key blocks and tackles as Australia dug in.
Australia, which suffered a humiliating defeat against France in their opening game, will then face Denmark, a tough opponent, but with qualification in their hands.
Significant victory for the delighted Australians
It was a crucial game for both nations as they face competition from reigning world champions France and Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark to advance from Group D.
It couldn’t have been a better start for Australia then, as they dominated the first 15 minutes to leave Tunisia unable to get out of their own half.
Goodwin’s crosses from the left were dealt with first, but the ease with which Australia were enjoying themselves from that side worried Tunisia.
Eventually, one of those crosses paid off as Duke deftly sent Goodwin’s delivery into the far corner and raced to the sideline to receive a clamor of slaps on the head from his teammates.
That goal did not silence the overwhelming majority of Tunisian fans at Al Janoub Stadium, however, and it was their side who finished the first half stronger with two big chances to equalise.
Australia centre-back Souttar made a decisive, slippery block to keep Mohamed Drager off, just minutes before Tunisia captain Msakni flew inches wide.
Tunisia changed form in the second half and put Australia under relentless pressure. Aaron Mooy had to make another vital block, before Souttar once again stepped in to stop a dangerous counterattack.
Anxiety was palpable in the stadium when Tunisian substitute Wahbi Khazri nearly equalized late in the game, before six more minutes were signaled by the fourth referee.
But Australia – who had to go through two play-offs to qualify for the tournament in Qatar – held on for a meaningful win and they go into their final group game with everything to play for.
Tunisia, which faces France in its last match, is practically eliminated.
