Sports
Socceroos Score First World Cup Game Win In 12 Years
Socceroos defeat Tunisia to end 12-year win drought and keep World Cup knockout dream alive.
Australia have held on for an intense victory over Tunisia, opening the door to their first round-of-16 appearance since 2006.
The Socceroos’ World Cup knockout dream is alive after a drought-breaking 1-0 victory over Tunisia at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.
Australia had not won a match at a World Cup since 2010 but held on to secure the three points behind Mitch Duke’s stellar glancing header in the 23rd minute.
The door is now wide open to a first round-of-16 appearance since the famous golden generation faced off against Italy in 2006.
The victory allows the Socceroos to play for a draw against Denmark on Wednesday to secure second spot in the group, provided France defeat Denmark and Tunisia.
“(I’m) just hugely proud of the boys,” said Graham Arnold, the first Australian to coach the Socceroos to a win at a World Cup.
“They showed that great fighting Aussie spirit tonight. We were in their faces all the time. I just expect they made the nation very proud. The effort level was incredible. Again, when the doubters hate us, bring it.”
Duke’s match-winning goal came from a sizzling move that pinged from Mat Ryan to the back of the Tunisian net in just 15 seconds.
“No words. I’m going to start crying because it’s such a big moment for me and my family, my supporters. It’s the best feeling in the world,” Duke said.
Mitch Duke leads off the Australian celebrations after his goal against Tunisia.
Mat Leckie was inches away from doubling the lead in the 70th minute only for Jamie Maclaren’s dangerous low cross to float just out of reach.
But the rock at the other end of the field, Harry Souttar, ensured just one goal would be needed to defeat Tunisia as the big centre-back further validated the decision to back him in despite only recently returning from an ACL injury.
His best work came late in the match, no intervention more important than a remarkable sliding tackle to stop Taha Yassine Khenissi in his tracks just outside the box.
Harry Souttar saves Australia with epic tackle “It was an absolute battle, both teams going at it,” Souttar said.
“We were hanging on a bit towards the last 10-15 minutes but all the lads put their bodies on the line, making tackles, making blocks. It’s just an amazing feeling.”
Souttar also claimed a role in the Socceroos’ goal after firing off the long ball that split the Tunisian defence.
Graham Arnold made just one change to the starting XI, the forced switch from Nathaniel Atkinson to Fran Karacic in defence, despite fears over their fitness levels.
But the pace of Leckie and Craig Goodwin, who provided the cross for Duke to score, was influential early as the Socceroos dominated proceedings before Duke’s goal settled the match into a new rhythm.
The Tunisians ramped up the pressure in the second half but failed to breach the Australian defence.
Aaron Mooy received significant praise for an instrumental performance against a side that sat back in the first half and attempted to press forward in the second.
“He has been the heart and soul of this Australian midfield,” Harry Kewell said in commentary for SBS.
AAP
Sports
Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return
Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.
Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.
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According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.
Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.
Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.
After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.
Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.
Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Sports
Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca
Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.
This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.
Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.
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The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.
While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.
Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.
Sports
Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs
RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.
This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.
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The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.
Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.
With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.