World Cup: Emotional Graham Arnold invites injured Socceroos gun into huddle after Tunisia win

An emotional Graham Arnold made a classy gesture after Australia’s huge victory over Tunisia to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

A stunning header from Mitch Duke and a stoic defensive effort at the back saw Australia take their first World Cup victory in 12 years and put their World Cup future firmly in their hands ahead of Denmark’s match against France.

Arnold had expressed frustration at the clear gap in quality between his team and their competition following their defeat to the reigning world champions.

Graham Arnold included Martin Boyle in his squad after the game following Australia’s victory

The Socceroos boss was emotional after they ended their 12-year wait for a World Cup win

His players again punched above their weight in Al-Wakrah, but with a different outcome, taking all three points in a result that will be remembered for years Down Under.

After the match, Arnold gathered his players into a group and invited the injured Martin Boyle into the center as he delivered an excited message.

Boyle, who has been ruled out of the competition with a knee injury, walked with crutches as the emotional boss addressed his players.

And Arnold could hardly hide his pride in his team from their gladiator efforts.

Arnold said he expects his party to have “made the nation very proud” after their great victory

“I’m just hugely proud of the guys, they showed that amazing Aussie fighting spirit tonight,” he said. “I expect we have made the nation very proud.

“Recently we played against the world champions and the boys had the same level of effort.

“If the doubters hate us, bring it on. I told the boys after the game it was the best friendly we could ever have, a lot of those mistakes were removed tonight and I couldn’t be more proud of the boys.

“Now we move on, yes we have achieved one thing, but it is nothing, there is more to do.”