Mathew Leckie has sent Australia through to the Round of 16 at Qatar after an incredible 1-0 upset over Denmark, but Graham Arnold says there's still unfinished business at the World Cup.
It's just the second time the Socceroos have made it out of the group stage at a World Cup, following the 'Golden Generation' at Germany 2006, and Arnold's outfit becomes the first Australian side to win two group matches.
What a run and finish from Mathew Leckie 🔥#Socceroos #GiveIt100 #FIFAWorldCup
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 30, 2022
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Heading into the clash, a draw was thought to suffice in order to progress. But in the other Group D fixture played at the same time, Tunisia produced a similar upset over France - who had made nine changes after earlier sealing top spot.
Had Leckie not produced a brilliant run on the counter-attack in the 60th minute and finished smartly on his left foot after turning Danish defender Joakim Maehle inside out, Australia would not have advanced.
The 31-year-old became Australia's ninth goal scorer at a World Cup when finding the bottom right corner.
The subsequent scenes in @FedSquare 😳💚💛#Socceroos #GiveIt100 #FIFAWorldCup
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 30, 2022
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Despite heading into the clash as big underdogs against the Euro 2020 Semi Finalists and looking shaky early on, Arnold's troops dug deep in the minutes leading up to half-time to get themselves back in the contest.
Aaron Mooy and Mitch Duke played themselves into the clash prior to the break, and quickly after half-time Australia looked the more likely of the two teams.
That was despite minimal possession from the Aussies, who held the ball for just 30 per cent of the game. Denmark threw plenty at the Australians in the final minutes, but Leckie's goal and several big moments once again from centre-back Harry Souttar and goalkeeper Mat Ryan ensured the Socceroos would advance 1-0.
Arnold, who is now Australia's most successful manager ever as well as being one of the nation's most maligned in recent years, credited the win to his players' attitudes.
“A lot of belief, a lot of hard work,” he stated after the win.
“These boys came in with a great mindset. We've been working on this for four years about the belief and the energy and the focus. You know, I can see in their eyes they were ready tonight.”
But Arnold added there was unfinished business.
“No celebrations,” he said when questioned about enjoying the success
“As I said to the boys, that's why we won after a great win against Tunisia. No celebrations, no emotion. Sleep. No social media.”
Australia now appears likely to face Argentina in the Round of 16, though Lionel Messi's side must beat Poland at 6am AEDT on Thursday morning to gain top spot in Group C.
Monumental.
— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) November 30, 2022
Well done @Socceroos
Credit to Arnie.
Australia’s wall (Harry Soutarr) is greater than China’s.
And where do we put the Matt Leckie statue?
Tears of joy.