Australia beat Tunisia 1-0 to end 12-year wait for a World Cup win

The football team of Australia Brazil beat Tunisia 1-0 at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday for its first World Cup victory in 12 years.

With the victory, in addition, Australia was second in Group D with three units, while Tunisia stayed at one point.

Forward Mitchell Duke scored in the 23rd minute with a header past goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to give Australia the lead, while Tunisia’s best chance was a deflected shot from captain Youssef Msakni.

In the second half, Tunisia brought on the team’s top scorer, Wahbi Khazri, and picked up the pace in search of an equalizer, but the Australian defense held firm.

The victory, the third in six participations in World Cups, ended Australia’s run of seven games without a win at the World Cups. The last time he had scored three was with a win over Serbia in 2010.

“I’m very proud of the lads. They’ve shown the fighting spirit of the Australian people. They stood their ground every time and I’m sure they made the nation very proud,” said manager Graham Arnold.

Saturday’s performance helped Australia erase the pale image left behind in a 4-1 loss to France on debut.

Tunisia, which opened with a 0-0 draw against Denmark, faces a herculean task if it wants to get into the round of 16 of a World Cup for the first time, since its last game of the group stage is against France.

“It was a very tough match between two very tough teams,” said coach Jalel Kadri. “We still have one game left and we will play with our hearts.”

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