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Socceroos Score First World Cup Game Win In 12 Years

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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

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Australian Tennis Champion, Max Purcell Faces Doping Suspension

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Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.

The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.

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The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”

As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.

This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.

Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.

In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.

The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.

This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.

Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.

Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.

Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.

 

 

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CAF Awards: GTI Congratulates NFF, Lookman, Others

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Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group has congratulated the football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year.

Head of Media and Publicity, GTI, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement in Lagos, expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country has begun yielding the desired results.

Biztellers reports that CAF awards event also witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

ALSO READ: NWFL Board In Talks With StarTimes For More Visibility

Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.

“The achievements of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.

“Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.

“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.

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NWFL Board In Talks With StarTimes For More Visibility

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In a bid to ensure increased visibility for the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) this coming season, the Board has reaffirmed its commitment by engaging with StarTimes, a key broadcasting partner.

This filtered out of the NWFL Annual General Assembly held in Abuja on Tuesday, which saw Chairman of the NWFL Board, Nkechi Obi, lead a high-powered delegation to meet with StarTimes management on Wednesday.

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She said, “This partnership is a vital step in our mission to bring the excitement of the league to a wider audience and showcase the talent in women’s football.”

It was gathered that during the discussions, StarTimes’ Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Tunde Aina reiterated that, “StarTimes is committed to delivering top-quality coverage and ensuring that our viewers enjoy every moment of the women’s leagues.”

These initiatives aim to significantly boost audience engagement and elevate the NWFL’s profile both locally and internationally. The discussions covered the production and coverage of matches, highlight shows, and strategic marketing of league content across StarTimes’ diverse channels.

As a key outcome of the meeting, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being finalized, with both parties expressing optimism about concluding arrangements in time for the Season Opener.

The anticipated partnership is expected to kick off with the high-stakes NWFL Premiership clash between defending champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on January 15, 2025.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking NWFL officials, including Vice Chairperson Hajiya Hussina Suleiman and Board member, Madam Henrietta Ihiabor.

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