Newcastle United attacker Garang Kuol has sealed his passage to the knockout stages of the World Cup with Australia after a 1-0 win over Denmark. The Aussies had expected to need just a point heading into the match this afternoon but that all changed when Tunisia took the lead against group winners France.
After holding firm in defence, Australia were then able to counter at the other end and took the lead on the hour mark thanks to Mathew Leckie's clinical strike. Tunisia managed to hold on for a win against the reigning World Champions after Antoine Griezmann's 98th minute equaliser was disallowed, but it mattered little in the end as Australia were able to close it out.
Australia have defied a number of pre-tournament odds by progressing to the knockout stages with many having tipped them for an early exit. They have, however, beaten both Tunisia and now Denmark to pick up six points and finish second in Group D.
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In what his first international tournament in the green and gold of Australia, Kuol has been somewhat of a squad player so far in Qatar. The Magpies youngster has featured just once so far, coming off the bench in the 4-1 defeat to France in the opening game.
Australia will now face the winner of Group C on Saturday, kick-off 7pm. Given the way that group is currently looking, Australia could still yet play either four of Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia or Mexico, though it is likely to be one of the former two given they play each other this evening.
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