Australia’s historic World Cup win over Denmark sparked wild celebrations across the country in the early hours of the morning as the team progressed to the knockout stages of the finals for only the second time.
Thousands of fans had gathered in Melbourne’s Federation Square to watch the match in the middle of the night and erupted in ecstasy when Mathew Leckie scored to put them into the lead after an hour.
Scenes in @FedSquare after the #Socceroos goal! #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/CRZKqIvQak
— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) November 30, 2022
There were riotous scenes in Sydney too when the referee blew the final whistle to end a nerve-jangling final few minutes in which Australia’s defence stood strong against one of the highest-ranked teams in the world.
George St in Sydney at 4am @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/J3Sgs1uXkc
— Elias Visontay (@EliasVisontay) November 30, 2022
Anthony Albanese led the celebrations with a tweet shortly afterwards.
The prime minister said it was a “magnificent win” – but he may have to answer the fan in the crowd in Qatar who held a banner reading “Give us a public holiday”.
Magnificent win by the @Socceroos #woohoo
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 30, 2022
The federal sports minister, Anika Wells, was another having a sleepless night although she was being careful not to wake her young twins while celebrating the goal.
Me but silently in my glass cage of emotion because the twins are asleep a metre away 👇🏼#socceroos #AUSDEN https://t.co/wv5yEJEVDF
— Anika Wells MP (@AnikaWells) November 30, 2022
Television presenter Lucy Zelić summed up the nation’s feelings with a joyous tweet when Leckie’s goal went in, confounding predictions that Australia would struggle to get anything in a game against one of the world’s highest-ranking teams.
GET THE FUCK IN!! WAHOOOOO!!! SCREAMING!! #AUSDEN #FIFAWorldCup
— Lucy Zelić (@LucyZelic) November 30, 2022
The West Australian led the early pun competition with a “very special late edition” front page to mark the win. “It’s our Leckie day!” the headline reads.
The VERY special late edition of Thursday's front page of The West Australian #socceroos @Socceroos #Leckie pic.twitter.com/hMKtXqSyRl
— Anthony De Ceglie (@AnthDeCeglie) November 30, 2022
Australia will meet the winners of Group C. Poland are currently top but they play Argentina later in a game which could decide Australia’s next opponents. Saudi Arabia, who topped Australia’s qualifying group for Qatar, could also finish top depending on how their game against Mexico goes.
The last 16 knockout fixture will be played on Saturday night in Qatar, meaning a 6am AEDT kick-off on Sunday.
