Australia 1 – 0 Denmark

Australia dumped Denmark out of the World Cup after Mathew Leckie’s strike earned a 1-0 victory and qualification to the last 16 for the first time since 2006.

Australia knew a draw would see them join Group D winners France in the knockout stages, providing Tunisia did not beat France, while Denmark had to win to have any chance of progressing.

Denmark dominated the first period but their inability to score left Australia on course to qualify until Tunisia took the lead against the world champions through Wahbi Khazri.

That goal moved Tunisia into the runners-up spot in Group D momentarily until Leckie weaved into the Denmark area and finished past Kasper Schmeichel (60) as Australia moved back into second, and a resolute defensive display ensured it was not surrendered.

How Australia dumped Denmark out to reach last 16

With the Socceroos starting the day in second spot courtesy of their win over Tunisia, the onus to attack was on Denmark. The Danes were initially positive and dominated possession against a team 28 places below them in the FIFA world rankings, only to be frustrated in a forgettable opening period.

Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan tipped over from Mathias Jensen and unconventionally turned away a dangerous cross from marauding left-back Joakim Maehle, while Christian Eriksen dragged an effort wide.

While Australia remained compact, Middlesbrough’s Riley McGree tested Schmeichel during a rare foray forward to show they could cause problems on the counter-attack.

The pattern of play persisted into the second period before a goal in the other Group D game left both sides in danger.

News of Tunisia forward Khazri opening the scoring against France appeared to have filtered through to the Al Janoub Stadium just before Leckie latched on to McGree’s through ball to race clear and finish with aplomb.

Denmark needed at least two goals to avoid leaving Qatar early but, with their lack of cutting edge, even an equaliser seemed unlikely.

Australia endured a major scare 19 minutes from time when substitute Kasper Dolberg tumbled in the box before the penalty decision was swiftly overturned.

The spirited Socceroos, led impressively by Scotland-born centre-back Harry Souttar, defended doggedly and deservedly survived six minutes of added time to upset the Euro 2020 semi-finalists and march on.

What the result means

Australia’s second World Cup victory in Qatar sees them finish second in Group D on six points, behind group winners France on goal difference. Denmark’s disappointing campaign ends with them bottom of the group with just one point.

Australia’s reward is a last-16 tie against the winners of Group C, likely Poland, Argentina or Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

What the manager said…

Australia head coach Graham Arnold told BBC Sport: “I’m just so proud of the effort from the boys. Given the short turnaround, their effort was incredible. A lot of belief and hard work [went into this]. The boys have a great mindset, we’ve been working on the belief, energy and focus for four-and-a-half years. I could see it in their eyes they were ready tonight.”