DOHA — Australia on Wednesday qualified for the Round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is their first since 2006.

Australian winger Mathew Leckie scored on a quick counter attack in the 60th minute to send the Socceroos to the knockout stage in Qatar.

Leckie had the ball near the center circle and tricked Danish defense with his foot skills. He rushed into Denmark’s penalty area, then shot to the bottom right corner to score the winning goal for his team.

Australia finished Group D in the second spot with six points in three matches to join France in the Round of 16.

Defending champions France also have six points but won the group on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Tunisia stunned already-qualified France 1-0 in another Group D match to have fourpoints. Denmark have one to bottom the group.

Denmark and Tunisia have been eliminated from Qatar 2022. — Agencies