Australia was able to book a minimal victory over Tunisia on Saturday morning: 1-0. Mitchell Duke became the match winner before the break with a great header. In club football, the attack leader plays for Fagiano Okayama, which respectively plays in Japan’s second tier. France and Denmark, the other countries in Group D, will play against each other at 5 p.m.
The national coaches of Tunisia and Australia both changed their teams in only one position compared to the first group matches. Jalel Kadri lined up Naïm Sliti to replace Anis Slimane, while Graham Arnold opted to give Fran Karacic the chance. That was at the expense of a basic place for Nathaniel Atkinson. The Socceroos had two ex-Eredivisionists at the kick-off with Craig Goodwin (Sparta Rotterdam) and Aziz Behich (PSV).
First goal of the day ? The Socceroos take the lead against Tunisia.#TUNAUS Watch live: https://t.co/vlEvjVuZMW pic.twitter.com/zVKrDnuYGE
— NOS Football (@NOSfootball) November 26, 2022
While Tunisia left a strong impression against Denmark (0-0) last Tuesday, the country played a lesser match on Saturday. Australia took the initiative and took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to Mitchell Duke. The 31-year-old striker managed to nod the ball past goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen after a deflected cross from Goodwin. Just before half-time, Youssef Msakni failed to put the equalizer on the scoreboard from close range by shooting just wide.
In the final phase, Tunisia went on the hunt for the equalizer, but the Australian defense was well formed, so keeper Mathew Ryan was hardly tested. With ex-FC Groningen player Ajdin Hrustic as a substitute, the Australians therefore booked their first World Cup victory since 2010. Arnold’s team, which is currently second, will play against Denmark again on Wednesday. Gatekeeper Tunisia can prepare for a showdown with France.