World Cup: Football fans dominate Federation Square in Melbourne

There may be a sea of ​​red at Al-Janoub Stadium in Doha, but Socceroos fans are pouring their support more than 12,000km away in Melbourne.

Graham Arnold’s side take on Tunisia in a crunch clash in Doha, with anything but a win making qualification for the knockout stages very unlikely for the Australians.

Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah is overrun with Tunisian fans in a partisan atmosphere for Saturday night’s game, but while Australian fans may not be there in person, they are still hugely supportive of their team.

Thousands of fans flocked to Melbourne’s Federation Square to watch the match on the big screen, with some supporters firing flares and jumping around in a festive atmosphere.

And fans went crazy when Mitch Duke scored his incredible header in the first half, with a wave of supporters bouncing and hugging each other in incredible Saturday night scenes.

Australian fans went wild after Mitch Duke’s stunning goal against the Tunisians

Another positive result against Denmark and the Australians could follow the legendary 2006 golden generation’s performance in exiting the group stage.

“(I’m) just extremely proud of the boys,” said delighted coach Graham Arnold.

“They showed that great Aussie fighting spirit tonight. We were in their face all the time. I just expect they have made the nation very proud.

“The effort level was incredible. Again, if the doubters hate us, bring it.’

The victory over Tunisia was Australia’s first in 12 years since defeating Serbia in 2010. The Socceroos also defeated Japan in 2006.

And the much-maligned Duke became only the eighth Socceroo to score in the World Cup.

His goal came from a blistering move, with Australia pinging goalkeeper Mat Ryan’s ball into the net in just 15 seconds.

Ryan made a short pass to the influential Harry Souttar, whose laser-like delivery triggered the attack.

From his own penalty area, Souttar found Duke just inside the halfway line and with a clever tap, striker Riley McGree played in.

Thousands of fans flocked to Federation Square on Saturday night to watch the game

McGree fed Craig Goodwin, charging down the left flank, and the Adelaide United man hit a low ball that ricocheted off Tunisian defender Mohamed Drager, one bounce, and edged towards Duke.

The Socceroos striker belied the difficulty of getting a quick header into the net.

‘No words. When the ball hits the net, it’s the best moment of my life and my football career,” said goal scorer Duke after the game.

“I’m going to cry because it’s such an important moment.

“It’s the best feeling in the world, but I try not to get too worked up about it because the job isn’t done yet, we have one more game to win to get out of the group.”

“Honestly, I’m going to war with these guys.”