There was a sense ahead of kick-off that this was a must-win game for both sides, after Tunisia began their campaign with a battling goalless draw against Denmark, while Australia were thumped 4-1 by France.
Despite being spurred on by a large Tunisian contingent, the Eagles of Carthage got off to a sluggish start, allowing Australia to take control of the contest by enjoying large spells of possession. While chances were few and far between, the Socceroos managed to find a breakthrough in the 23rd minute when Craig Goodwin’s deflected cross found Mitchell Duke, who accurately steered a header beyond the outstretched Aymen Dahmen.
Although Tunisia were second best for the majority of the opening 45 minutes, they had a couple of chances to level in the closing stages of the first half. Naïm Sliti was denied by Harry Souttar’s super last-ditch block, while Youssef Msakni spurned a gilt-edged opportunity, directing the ball wide from close range.
After taking a lead into half-time for the first time in their World Cup history, Australia returned from the interval, looking to hold onto the narrow advantage. Tunisia attempted to put their opponents under pressure, but the centre-back pairing of Souttar and Kye Rowles continued to remain resilient, forcing Jalel Kadri to summon the country’s second-highest goalscorer, Wahbi Khazri, from the bench.
Rather than Khazri, it was Youssef Msakni who was leading the Tunisian quest for an equaliser, forcing Mathew Ryan to push the ball away from danger, while moments later the Australia goalkeeper comfortably gathered to deny Msakni once again. The search for a leveller desperately continued, but Ryan and his dogged defence held firm to keep their second-ever World Cup clean sheet, and more importantly, clinch all three points.
Australia will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s final group game against Denmark. Meanwhile, Tunisia are on the brink of a World Cup exit, and they face the daunting prospect of a meeting with the defending world champions, France.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Harry Souttar (Australia)
