Fagiano Okayama’s Mitchell Duke’s 23rd minute header proved to be the difference in a 1-0 win for Australia over Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The victory was the Socceroos' first on football's highest stage since 2010, as Duke’s goal snapped a seven-match winless skid at the tournament.
The move for Duke’s goal started with the Okayama striker, who dropped deep to receive a long ball that he expertly flicked onto a teammate with one touch. He then turned and sprinted upfield, making his way into the box and curling his run away from a defender before meeting the cross 10 yards out and expertly turning it just inside the far post for the goal.
Whether instinct, imagination, or a bit of both, Duke's now-iconic goal emptied the Socceroos bench as they mobbed him in the corner and set off celebrations across Australia.
With the win, Duke and his teammates now head into the final matchday in Group D knowing that a win over Denmark will guarantee them a spot in the Round of 16, while a draw may also be enough should other results break their way.
Duke had a terrific year for Fagiano, scoring eight goals and adding three assists to lead the club to third place in the Meiji Yasuda J2 League, which stands as their highest-ever finish.
Now, Duke has carried over that form and success to the World Cup for the Socceroos, with a chance at even more glory on the horizon.