Fans of the Australian men's national soccer team celebrated very early Thursday morning after their squad's 1-0 win over Denmark on Wednesday to advance at the World Cup.
Absolute SCENES in Australia at 3:30am local time as they qualified for the Round of 16
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 30, 2022
(via @TheRealALM) pic.twitter.com/hbtV2KJfUk
The victory sends the Aussies to the knockout round for the first time in 16 years and second time in their history.
Australia hadn’t made it to the knockout stages of the #FIFAWorldCup since 2006.
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) November 30, 2022
Matthew Leckie’s goal sent his country through to the next round.
: @TelemundoSportspic.twitter.com/nKW7WVYUpU
While fans in the United States have tried adjusting to watching the team's tournament games -- held in Qatar -- during the middle of their workdays, it's been even more of an adjustment for those living "down under." Sydney (the most populous city in Australia) is eight hours ahead of Al Wakrah, Qatar (where the match vs. Denmark took place).
Australia was eliminated by eventual-champion Italy in the knockout round during the 2006 World Cup, falling 1-0. The Aussies have only appeared in six World Cups, with their first coming in the 10th event in 1974.
They conclude group play in second place with a 2-0-1 record.
Australia will play the first-place finisher from Group C at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday. Depending on how the rest of the first-round results play out, that will be Argentina, Poland or Saudi Arabia.
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