From a World Cup qualifying playoff to the World Cup knockout stage, Australia’s roller-coaster journey will continue in Qatar with a trip to the round of 16 after a stunning 1–0 win over Denmark.
The Socceroos were one of the last teams to qualify for the World Cup in June when they defeated Peru in a penalty-kick shootout in the intercontinental playoff. Now, they are headed to their second-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stages after their 2006 performance.
Mathew Leckie proved to be the goalscoring hero for Australia, which recorded its second straight win after defeating Tunisia in the second group game. Meanwhile, France advanced as the Group D winner despite a 1–0 loss to Tunisia as Les Bleus fielded a second team with the group practically secured. The defending champions will face the Group C runner-up while Australia will face the Group C winners.