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Martin Farrer
Australia’s historic World Cup win over Denmark sparked wild celebrations across the country in the early hours of the morning as the team progressed to the knockout stages of the finals for only the second time.
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Calls for public holiday
Admittedly these calls are coming from the football establishment, but still, surely something for Anthony Albanese to consider.
At half time in the group C games, it’s Poland 0-0 Argentina and Saudi Arabia 0-0 Mexico.
If these results hold, Poland will top the group, and play the Socceroos on Sunday morning Australia time.
More pictures of Australians celebrating this morning’s win.
Over in the Poland Argentina match, Lionel Messi has just had a penalty sensationally saved by Polish Wojciech Szczesny.
At the 41st minute mark, it’s still Poland 0-0 Argentina. If that result holds and there is no change in the Saudi Arabia v Mexico match, which is also at 0-0, then Poland will win their group and face the Socceroos this weekend.
You can follow the Guardian’s Poland v Argentina live blog here:
If you haven’t seen it yet, here is Matthew Leckie’s goal that sent the Socceroos through to the knockout stages.
If you’ve already seen it, you’ll probably want to see it again. And again.
Prime minister congratulates win
Anthony Albanese was among those watching the Socceroos at an ungodly hour on Thursday morning.
The prime minister was quiet during the match, but tweeted to congratulate the team on their “magnificent” win.
Scenes of SBS’ Eli Mengem covering fans in Federation Square celebrating Matthew Leckie’s goal this morning.
While the Socceroos have booked their spot in the knockout stages of the World Cup, three other nations are currently battling it out in matches that will determine Australia’s opponent.
The Socceroos will play the winner of group C on Sunday morning Australian time (6am AEDT), with Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Poland all still in contention to win their group.
At the 26-minute mark of group C’s final matches, which are being played simultaneously, its Poland 0-0 Argentina and Saudi Arabia 0–0 Mexico.
If those results stand, Poland will top their group, and play the Socceroos. Follow both games here:
Diehard football fans may be used to it, but on Thursday, a good chunk of the country woke up (or stayed awake through) the dead of the night to watch the Socceroos play Denmark.
In Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, the match kicked off at 2am local time.
This didn’t stop tens of thousands of dedicated Australians leaving the comfort of their homes to watch the match with fellow supporters.
In Melbourne, scenes of flares being let off at Federation Square have gone viral this morning.
Meanwhile in Sydney, which didn’t have an equivalent public live site, sports bars and pubs in the city were packed to capacity and turning fans away. After the final whistle, they spilled out into the quiet dark of George Street.
Elias Visontay
How good are the Socceroos?
For those who were able to sleep through the night and have just woken up, Australia have surprised the world and reached the knockout stages of the World Cup for just the second time in their history.
Following a tough yet spirited 1-0 win over an attacking Denmark side, Graham Arnold’s team finished second in group D to book their place in the round of 16.
Australia will next play either Argentina, Saudi Arabia or Poland on Sunday morning Australian time. We’ll find out our opponent in just under two hours as group C’s final matches are played out.
As the nation awakes to a historic morning, we’ll be bringing you all the reaction here.
For a full match report, here is Emma Kemp, Guardian Australia’s woman in Doha: