Leckie the hero as Socceroos advance against all odds

• Australia stunned Denmark to reach the last 16 and eliminate their opponents
• Mathew Leckie got the only goal following a fine counter-attack
• Australia will next play Argentina, Poland or Saudi Arabia

Goals: Leckie (60) Australia stunned Denmark 1-0 to reach the last 16 and send their opponents home from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Mathew Leckie got the only goal on the hour – and it was one the Socceroos required given that anything less than victory would have seen them beaten to the runners-up spot in Group C by Tunisia. Denmark, who arrived at the tournament as many people’s outsiders to challenge for the trophy, had qualified for the knockout phase four times from five previous attempts. Kasper Hjulmand’s team dominated the opening half, but could not find a way past goalkeeper Mat Ryan. Australia will now face Argentina, Poland or Saudi Arabia in the last 16.

Denmark were threatening when Australia regained possession and launched a rapid counter-attack. They worked the ball way up to Leckie, who turned Andreas Christensen one way then the other before burying a fine strike into the bottom corner.

Australia won back-to-back matches at the World Cup for the first time ever.