Tunisia 0 - Australia 1
Duke 23'
Australia bouncing back after going down 4-1 against World Champions, France, is the sign of a side that saw the importance of every game and as a result, regrouped effectively. For Australia to stun France by going 1-0 up in the first instance, showed that they were for a while, fearless, and that they are not really prepared to be overcome by the imagined size of the opposition.
Against Tunisia, Australia looked as least as big as the African giants; making them both appear normal-sized. Apart from a few frantic minutes at the beginning, when Australia did take possession of the ball, they were able to control it and effect a passing game which was effectual. Also against Tunisia they were able to on occasion, win the ball from the opposition; which shows that maybe for the first time since the qualification for the tournament that Australia finally gelled and grew up.
The only goal of that match which saw a Craig Goodwin delivery be banged home by Mitchell Duke, was then back up by 23 minutes of getting either behind the ball, or being organised in defence, or turning defence into attack with the possibility of scoring again. Even when Tunsia attacked late in the game with two very credible attempts by Issam Jebali and Wahbi Khazri, Australia defended well and goalkeeper Matt Ryan showed that he is at least equal of the best of the world in this tournament.
Can I say that I unreservedly take back any Negatives I said about Harry Kewell's commentary? His repeatedly and unashamedly saying "come on Australia" in the final 10 minutes was amazing. We were repeatedly reminded that football is only a game infused with meaning because we choose to infuse it with that meaning. Kewell up in the commentary box empathetically demonstrated that he was one of us and just happened to be the one with a microphone in front of him. He like the rest of us, was wishing and hoping that the lads in obsidian would take home the three points.
Australia is going to need all of the pluck and ticker that they'd displayed thus far against Denmark because having scored 1 against France and and lost, and 1 against Tunisia and won, then this is proof that 1 goal is enough to turn and win a match but not enough to make it secure. 1-0 up is never really enough until that final whistle blows.
WARNING MATHS AHEAD:
As it currently stands, Group D looks like:
6 - France
3 - Australia
1 - Denmark
1 - Tunisia
If Australia wins, then they move to 6 points and it doesn't matter what happens in the other match. In any group stage like this, 5 points and up is guaranteed qualification. If this match is a draw, then Australia's destiny is in the hands of France and Tunisia.
There are three possible outcomes if Australia and Denmark draw. If France win, Group D looks like:
9 - France
4 - Australia
2 - Denmark
1 - Tunisia
If Australia and Denmark draw and France and Tunisia draw, Group D looks like:
7 - France
4 - Australia
2 - Denmark
2 - Tunisia
If Australia and Denmark draw and Tunisia wins, Group D looks like:
6 - France
4 - Tunisia
4 - Australia
1 - Denmark
If Australia loses, then they stay on 3 points, Denmark moves to 4 points, and the result of the France and Tunisia game is irrelevant as far as Australia is concerned. In any group stage like this, 3 points and below is almost guaranteed disappointment. There is only one possible combinations of points tallies in which 3 points is enough to escape any group. 3 points either comes from drawing all three matches; the only possible way that any team escapes a group on 3 points is if all of the matches in a group were draws. That already was impossible in this group when Australia lost to France. The only example of this that I can think of ever, was when Italy just scraped out of the group stage in 1982 and then went on to win everything.
Basically from that opening match of the tournament, losing was never an option for Australia. Really in any World Cup tournament losing is only allowed after a side has won twice and after that, never again. All of this means to say that Australia, absolutely needs to play to win the match against Denmark. Given that Australia gave France a scare, there is no reason in principle why they can not do the same against Denmark.
The big problem is the spectre hanging over this Australian side since well before this tournament began. The basic problem that Australia had right through the qualification stage was an inability to score. It became so dire that Australia failed to win enough for automatic qualification and had to play out a last-chance playoff match against the United Arab Emirates. Someone like Mabil, Goddard, MacLaren or Leckie needs to step up and shake the rag.
Deep down, the unspoken thing about football (and indeed any sport) is that it is a game to be played and all games should be played to win. Sure, you get a consolation point for a draw but ultimately, a win is the thing which is the purpose. Football is even more blatant by telling you form the outset what the goal of football is.
In any given World Cup Tournament, you are given the 'luxury' of losing exactly one game and it has to be a Group fixture. If you win your opening match and then score a point, your have at least a good chance of getting through and if you win both opening games, you then basically get a match in which you can test out an entirely different eleven than you put out in either of the first two matches. France gets that luxury by virtue of having beaten Australia and then Denmark. Lose that opening match and the path that you are immediately put on is actually the same path that everyone has after they leave the group stage anyway.
Denmark need to win because there is a possibility that they might escape the group stage. Australia needs to win because that way they ensure that they leave the group stage. I expect that both sides can and should be playing this game with a sense of desperation because blinking away like a neon sign shimmering into the night on a dark highway, hope shines on.
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