Khalid Tawalbeh
DOHA
Australia scored a difficult victory against Tunisia in the second round of the group stage in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Education City Stadium on Saturday.
The win for the Socceroos was only its third victory at the World Cup, the first coming against Japan in 2006 World Cup and the second against Serbia four years later.
Tunisia did not look the same side which managed a goalless draw against Denmark in the first round. Confusion and inability to take possession of the ball characterised the first few minutes of the game with the defenders committing mistakes, making the Australians appear a better and stronger set of players, especially in duels.
The Australians avenged their loss to Tunisia (2-0) at the Confederations Cup in 2005, taking their tally to 3 points which has put them in second place Group D. Tunisia is in third place with a lone point ahead of the France-Denmark encounter.
Mitchell Duke, the striker of the Australian national team, managed to score the only goal of the match in the 23rd minute, after a brilliant cross from Aziz Behich.
The Tunisians tried to equalise more than once, the first time by Mohamed Drager in the 40th minute after a pass from Essam Jebali which was eventually defended by their opponents. In the second attempt, Youssef Masakni failed to convert a cross from Essam Jebali.
The third attempt was in the 65th minute, when Youssef Msakni took a powerful shot from outside the penalty area. In the 85th minute, Montaser Talbi tried again from outside the penalty area, only to be put away by goalkeeper Matthew Ryan.
After this game, Tunisia will need a must-win against France for an outside chance to qualify for the round of 16.