Leckie’s fine solo goal sends Australia into last 16

Australia have secured their place in the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Denmark in their final Group D game at the Al Janoub Stadium on Wednesday.

Australia are through to the Round of 16! 🇦🇺 #FIFAWorldCup | @adidasfootball

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022

Mathew Leckie scored the only goal of the game in the 60th minute as Australia finished second in the standings behind winners France.

The 31-year-old Melbourne City winger Leckie wrong-footed defender Joakim Maehle and fired low past full-streched goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for his 13th international goal.

He opened the scoring just moments after Tunisia took a 1-0 lead against world champions France in the other Group D match.

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Denmark thought they were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute after the referee pointed to the spot, however the flag went straight up and this was denied for offside.

Australia held on to secure their qualification for the knockout stage for the first time since 2006, where they will face the winners of Group C, featuring Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

Group D is in the books ✅#AUS join holders #FRA in the last 16!#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 30, 2022