Australia Shock Denmark 1–0 to Waltz Into World Cup Last 16

Australia's forward #07 Mathew Leckie scores his team's first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between Australia and Denmark at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on Nov. 30, 2022. Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

AL WAKRAH, Qatar–Australia upset Denmark 1–0 on Wednesday to qualify for the World Cup knockout phase for the first time in 16 years thanks to a fine solo goal from Mathew Leckie.

Australia contained Denmark at the Al Janoub Stadium before stinging the Scandinavians on a counter-attack in the 60th minute when Leckie burst into space, wrong-footed defender Joakim Maehle and fired low past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.