The striker’s first-half header proved decisive in a physical Group D match that leaves Australia in second place in Group D with Denmark and France still to play
In all the victory was hard-fought and deserved. It was also a scrap of breakneck pace and flesh on flesh, the ball at times a ping-ponging sidebar to the bustle of bodies. Aaron Mooy hit the ground with a thump under Dylan Bronn. Duke, under a crunching challenge from Talbi, looked to briefly dislocate his knee cap but limped on.
But the Tunisians, unsettled in the opening exchanges, pushed the envelope a little more and and conceded a number of free-kicks. Fran Karacic, Arnold’s only change from the 4-1 loss to France, required help at times marking the captain and talisman, Youssef Msakni, but offered forward movement on the right flank.
Mat Ryan had the unenviable first-half task of manning Australia’s goal in front of the biggest concentration of chants and flags and flailing limbs. When another foray approached he rushed off his line, leapt high above the throng and came down with the ball, only to spill on impact, grabbing desperately under the rush of boots. Msakni took honours for the biggest miss in first-half stoppage-time, failing to bury a finish at point-blank range.
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