Australia sparked their World Cup campaign into life thanks to a 1-0 win over Tunisia, secured by Mitchell Duke’s excellent first-half header.
The Socceroos, who lost their opening game to France on Tuesday, went into the game knowing another defeat would end their World Cup with a game to spare.
Australia’s win over Tunisia was just their third at a World Cup – and their first since beating Serbia in 2010.
The victory came at the perfect moment, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the last 16 for just the second time.
Tunisia had been impressive in their 0-0 draw with Denmark on Tuesday but struggled to contain Australia in the first 30 minutes, with the African side repeatedly being exposed down their right flank.
Australia eventually took advantage, with Duke playing a deft lay-off to Riley McGree before making his way into the box, where he met Goodwin’s cross from the left.
Tunisia belatedly began to exert some pressure on Australia and should have levelled when smart hold-up play from Issam Jebali helped to set up Mohamed Drager, but his close-range shot was blocked by a brilliant sliding tackle from Harry Souttar.
More good work from Jebali then presented Youssef Msakni with a glorious chance in the centre of the Australia area, but he could only bend his first-time effort wide.
Tunisia moved away from their three-man defence in the second half as they chased a leveller, but it was Australia who should have scored the game’s second goal, with Matthew Leckie just failing to stretch enough to turn in Jamie Maclaren’s left-wing cross.
Despite their tactical switch, Tunisia struggled to create any clear openings after half-time, with Wahbi Khazri’s stabbed effort – comfortably saved by Mathew Ryan – their best chance as the game moved towards stoppage time.
Thanks to some stout defending by the outstanding Souttar and a midfield marshalled by the intelligent Aaron Mooy, Australia kept Tunisia at arm’s length to earn the three points and move within one win of the last 16.
Australia’s win means they are second in Group D, behind France on goal difference, while Tunisia are bottom.
However, France could move three points clear with a win over Denmark on Saturday afternoon. A Denmark win would see Australia move back to third.
Australia will qualify for the last 16 if they beat Denmark on Wednesday.
Tunisia must beat reigning champions France on the same day to have any hope of progressing to the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time.
Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri bemoaned the passive nature of his side’s performance, saying: “It was a very tough match between two very tough teams.
“I think today we should have played to win. We still have one match to play and we will play with our hearts out.”
Australia boss Graham Arnold was in bullish mood after their victory, saying: “When the doubters hate us, bring it on.”
“I’m just hugely proud of the boys,” he added. “They showed that great, fighting Aussie spirit. We were in their faces all the time and I expect we made the nation very proud.
“The other night, we played against the current world champions and the boys had the same effort level. The effort levels were incredible.”
Sky Sports
