Australia went in at half-time winning a game for the first time in World Cup history against Tunisia – and they did it in the most stylish fashion.
Mitchell Duke gave the Socceroos in the 23rd minute of their second group stage game with an unconventional backwards header.
But there was no luck involved – the Australian clearly guided the ball towards the far corner after meeting a cross from the left wing.
Brilliant header 😍Mitchell Duke gives Australia the lead!📺📻📲 Watch 🇹🇳 v 🇦🇺 on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds & get more on the @BBCSport appNovember 26, 2022
Had it been accidental, it wouldn’t have been the first mistake Australia had made on Saturday, having published the wrong team sheet before the game.
Duke became the first player from a second division club to score at this World Cup, according to Opta. He plays for Fagiano Okayama from the Japanese J2 League, having been trained by his father with an outrageous fitness schedule as a youngster.
However, that didn’t mean his name on the scoresheet was entirely unexpected. One Twitter user, Liam Tharne, tweeted before the game: “If anyone wants to make any money lump on Mitchell Duke scoring a header. It’s the only way I see a goal in this game.”
If anyone wants to make any money lump on Mitchell Duke scoring a header. It’s the only way I see a goal in this gameNovember 26, 2022
Despite a spate of 0-0s – including a drab encounter between England and the United States on Friday night – Duke’s goal was the 50th of the World Cup so far.