AL-WAKRAH: Mitchell Duke scored a sensational header to steer Australia to their opening win in the FIFA World Cup 2022 as they defeat Tunisia 1-0 in a Group D encounter, here at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.

Duke struck the lone goal of the match in the first half as he glanced a header beyond Tunisia’s goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to help the Socceroos secure three crucial points in the group which also includes favourites France and Denmark.

Australia then desperately kept Tunisia’s ferocious strike at bay and managed to clinch a vital victory after the stoppage time.

The first sniff of goal for Tunisia came in the 19th minute, but captain Youssef Msakni was forced out and defender Mohamed Drager blasted over.

Australia’s triumph over Tunisia marked their third world cup victory overall and their best performance came in 2006 when they made their way into the Round of 16.

The Socceroos have an alike outcome in sight when they take on Denmark in their final group game on Wednesday as a victory over the latter would power them into the knockout stage.

Tunisia, who are yet to taste triumph in the ongoing world cup with a goalless draw against Denmark and a narrow 1-0 defeat against Australia, have a major ask for the Round of 16 berth as they take on defending champions France in their last group match on November 30.

READ: USA hold England for a goalless draw in FIFA World Cup