Doha: Come up, Sir Graham Arnold. Sir Mathew Leckie. They did it. They’ve accomplished it. The Socceroos have stepped out of the lengthy shadow of 2006’s “golden era”, surprising Denmark 1-0 and defying what appeared like being a French capitulation on the opposite aspect of Doha to guide a spot within the World Cup’s spherical of 16.
A conflict with Poland, Saudi Arabia, and even Lionel Messi’s Argentina awaits after Australia held their nerve in opposition to the world No.10-ranked aspect, with Leckie’s unimaginable Sixtieth-minute strike bagging three treasured factors – and sealing back-to-back World Cup wins for the primary time within the nation’s historical past, and one other clear sheet besides.
Mathew Leckie celebrates his purpose in opposition to Denmark.Credit score:Getty Photos
They needed to do it the laborious means on the Al Janoub Stadium – the place they beat Tunisia simply 4 days in the past – nevertheless it wouldn’t be just like the Socceroos to do it simple anyway. Pressured to repel wave after wave of assault within the first half, after which once more after Leckie’s spectacular purpose, Arnold’s males held on grimly however by no means let go in entrance of 41,232 followers.
Click on right here to learn the story.
