TUNISIA star Ellyes Skhiri was controversially tripped up by the REFEREE just seconds before Australia’s winning goal.
The Socceroos scored in the 23rd minute through striker Mitchell Duke.
But Tunisian midfielder Skhiri was sent flying just moments earlier as he battled for the ball in the lead up to the goal.
Skhiri tripped over German referee Daniel Siebert’s legs as he tried to tackle Australia ace Riley McGree.
Middlesbrough man McGree was able to evade any challenge as Skhiri was sent tumbling by the ref.
McGree then immediately spread the ball wide to Craig Goodwin, who whipped in the delivery for Duke to head home.
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The goal proved to be the difference as Australia held on to win 1-0.
It’s the first World Cup game the Socceroos have won since 2010, and the first time they’ve kept a World Cup clean sheet since 1974.
Whether Skhiri would have been able to tackle McGree had he not been tripped remains unknown, but some fans weren’t happy with the decision to play on.
One wrote on Twitter: “Shambolic.”
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Another added: “Can’t do that.”
While a third joked: “Yellow card there for the ref surely.”
There were wild scenes in Melbourne when Duke scored for the Aussies.
His goal keeps their chances of reaching the knockout stages alive.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
