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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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Belgium Appoints Rudi Garcia As National Team Coach

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The Belgian Football Federation has named Frenchman Rudi Garcia as the new head coach of the national team, following the sacking of Domenico Tedesco after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.

In a statement released on Friday, the federation confirmed the appointment of the Underworld former Napoli, Lyon, and Roma manager, who will be formally introduced to the press later in the day.

READ MORE: Nuri Sahin Fired As Borussia Dortmund Head Coach

Garcia’s task will be to rejuvenate the Red Devils after their early exit from the European Championship and underwhelming performances in the Nations League.

Belgium recently parted ways with Tedesco, who had been in charge since February 2023.

The Italian-German coach was brought in to rebuild the squad following the departure of the country’s celebrated “golden generation” under Roberto Martinez but failed to deliver the expected results.

The team now faces a critical relegation play-off against Ukraine in March, before beginning their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to North Macedonia in June.

Garcia brings a wealth of experience, having coached top European clubs such as Marseille and Lyon.

He also made his mark at Lille between 2008 and 2013, leading the French side to a Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double in 2011.

However, his most recent role at Napoli in 2023 ended in disappointment after just five months.

 

 

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Nuri Sahin Fired As Borussia Dortmund Head Coach

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Borussia Dortmund have sacked head coach Nuri Sahin after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Bologna in Tuesday’s Champions League match, marking the club’s fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions.

The decision follows a string of poor performances that have left the club in 10th place in the Bundesliga, 20 points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich.

Sporting CEO Lars Ricken expressed that the club had “lost faith” in Sahin, explaining that the decision was painful but necessary.

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“We have unfortunately lost faith that we will achieve our sporting goals,” Ricken said. “We value Nuri Sahin and his work very much, we hoped for a long collaboration, but after the game in Bologna, this was unavoidable.”

Sahin, who had been promoted to head coach in the summer following his role as assistant to Edin Terzic during Dortmund’s surprise Champions League final run last season, acknowledged the disappointment.

“Unfortunately, I was not able to live up to Dortmund’s sporting ambitions at this point in time. I wish this special club all the best.”

The defeat against Bologna caps a difficult season for the club under Sahin’s stewardship.

Despite their strong showing in last season’s Champions League, where they lost to Real Madrid in the final, Dortmund have struggled in the Bundesliga and were eliminated from the German Cup by Wolfsburg.

Their away form, in particular, has been disastrous, with only four wins and nine losses in 15 matches away from the Westfalenstadion.

Dortmund’s leadership, which has historically favored former players in managerial roles, now faces the task of finding a suitable replacement for Sahin.

German media reports suggest potential successors could include Erik Ten Hag, the former Manchester United boss who has been spotted attending Dortmund games recently, or Roger Schmidt, formerly of Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen.

In the interim, U19 coach Mike Tullberg has been appointed to take charge of the first team, starting with Saturday’s home match against Werder Bremen.

The sacking of Sahin is the latest chapter in a turbulent managerial history for Dortmund since the departure of Jurgen Klopp in 2015, with the club having cycled through eight different head coaches in that time. Only Lucien Favre managed to stay longer than two years.

Sahin’s tenure as manager was a significant moment for Dortmund, as he was one of the club’s own, having come through the ranks and played over 270 games for the team, including being part of the squad that won the 2011 Bundesliga title.

However, his time at the helm of the senior team has proven to be short-lived as Dortmund now seek a new direction.

 

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Man City Sign Brazilian Teenager, Vitor Reis For £29.6M

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Manchester City have completed the signing of 19-year-old defender Vitor Reis from Brazilian club Palmeiras, the Premier League champions announced on Tuesday.

The Brazilian youth international joins on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported fee of £29.6 million ($36.2 million).

Reis, a right-footed centre-back, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the English giants. “I’m excited to join Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world,” said Reis.

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“Everyone has seen the amazing achievements in recent seasons, and I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies. Working with Pep Guardiola is something every young player wants to do, and I know he can help me to develop into the best player I can be.”

City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, highlighted the qualities that attracted the club to Reis.

He said, “Vitor Reis is one of the most promising young defenders in the world, and we’re delighted to have been able to bring him here. He is excellent on the ball and outstanding in the air — he has all the attributes needed to be one of the best.”

The signing of Reis is City’s second addition of the January transfer window, following the arrival of Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov.

Reports indicate that the club is also pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush before the window closes.

Manchester City, currently fifth in the Premier League table, have faced challenges this season due to a series of defensive injuries.

However, the team showcased their attacking strength with a dominant 6-0 victory over Ipswich on Sunday.

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