FIFA World Cup: Australia through to the knockout stage

However, Australia scored the winner 60 minutes into the match. Mathew Leckie closed a counter-attack with a low footer past Kasper Schmeichel. The Socceroos finished second in Group D on six points, behind France on goal difference.

Denmark walked away disappointed with one point from three games. They were on the brim of everyone's expectations after a semi-final finish at Euro 2020 and a memorable UEFA Nations League campaign where they beat France home and away.

However, they went home, scoring only once in three Group D matches. In the first half, Mathias Jensen made a brilliant shot that prompted the Australia captain Mat Ryan into an acrobatic save.

Left-back Joakim Maehle tamed the Australian attack but was not fully supported by the frontline. They appealed for a penalty in the second half, but Kasper Dolberg was offside when he was knocked down, so their campaign slowly fizzled out over the match.

Meanwhile, Dolberg lost possession in the Australian box, and the Socceroos were caught out on the break. Melbourne City winger Leckie struck a left-footer through Maehle's legs past Schmeichel. 

The goal ensured that they booked a spot in the last 16 of the World Cup, the last time being 2006 when a star-studded team including Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, and Mark Schwarzer were beaten by Italy.

The current squad has lesser-known names but is propelled forward by the captain, former Brighton and Arsenal goalkeeper Ryan. After a 4-1 loss to France, they resurfaced and put on an improved show.

Ryan led Australia through the last six minutes of stoppage time and helped them retain the lead. The previous attempt witnessed an Andreas Cornelius header land on the roof of the net in stoppage time, but a victory was signed for Australia. 

Round of 16 

The knockout starts on December 3, when the 16 remaining teams compete to advance to the next round. Here is a list of all the teams that qualified for the last 16. 

Group A

Winner: Netherlands (seven points)

Runner-Up: Senegal (six points)

Group B 

Winner: England (seven points)

Runner-Up: USA (five points)

Group C 

Winner: Argentina (six points)

Runner-up: Poland (four points)

Group D

Winner: France (six points)

Runner-up: Australia (six points)

Group E (undecided)

1. Spain (four points)

2. Japan (three points)

3. Costa Rica (three points)

4. Germany (one point)

Group F (undecided, Canada eliminated)

1. Croatia (four points)

2. Morocco (four points)

3. Belgium (three points)

Group G (undecided)

1. Brazil (six points, qualified)

2. Switzerland (three points)

3. Cameroon (one point)

4. Serbia (one point)

Group H (undecided)

1. Portugal (six points, qualified)

2. Ghana (three points)

3. South Korea (one point)

4. Uruguay (one point)

Round of 16 line-up

December 3: Netherlands vs USA

December 4: Argentina vs Australia

December 4: France vs Poland

December 5: England vs Senegal 

December 5: Winner Group E vs Runner-up Group F

December 6: Winner Group G vs Runner-Up Group H

December 6: Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group E

December 7: Winner Group H vs Runner-Up Group G