Australia dumped Denmark out of the World Cup after Mathew Leckie's strike earned a 1-0 victory and qualification to the last 16 for the first time since 2006
Australia knew a draw would see them join Group D winners France in the knockout stages, providing Tunisia did not beat France, while Denmark had to win to have any chance of progressing
Denmark dominated the first period but their inability to score left Australia on course to qualify until Tunisia took the lead against the world champions through Wahbi Khazri
That goal moved Tunisia into the runners-up spot in Group D momentarily until Leckie weaved into the Denmark area and finished past Kasper Schmeichel (60) as Australia moved back into second, and a resolute defensive display ensured it was not surrendered
Australia will now face Argentina on Saturday (kick-off 7pm), who finished top of Group C after a 
With the Socceroos starting the day in second spot courtesy of their win over Tunisia, the onus to attack was on Denmark
 The Danes were initially positive and dominated possession against a team 28 places below them in the FIFA world rankings, only to be frustrated in a forgettable opening period
Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan tipped over from Mathias Jensen and unconventionally turned away a dangerous cross from marauding left-back Joakim Maehle, while Christian Eriksen dragged an effort wide
While Australia remained compact, Middlesbrough's Riley McGree tested Schmeichel during a rare foray forward to show they could cause problems on the counter-attack
The pattern of play persisted into the second period before a goal in the other Group D game left both sides in danger
News of Tunisia forward Khazri opening the scoring against France appeared to have filtered through to the Al Janoub Stadium just before Leckie latched on to McGree's through ball to race clear and finish with aplomb
Denmark needed at least two goals to avoid leaving Qatar early but, with their lack of cutting edge, even an equaliser seemed unlikely
Australia endured a major scare 19 minutes from time when substitute Kasper Dolberg tumbled in the box before the penalty decision was swiftly overturned
The spirited Socceroos, led impressively by Scotland-born centre-back Harry Souttar, defended doggedly and deservedly survived six minutes of added time to upset the Euro 2020 semi-finalists and march on
Australia's second World Cup victory in Qatar sees them finish second in Group D on six points, behind group winners France on goal difference
 Denmark's disappointing campaign ends with them bottom of the group with just one point
Australia's reward is a last-16 tie against Group C winners Argentina on Saturday (kick-off 7pm)
Soccerooscoach believes the team that battled their way past Denmark and into the  last 16 on Wednesday have a case to be considered the new "golden generation" of Australian football
"I'm just so proud of the players, the work ethic, the commitment, the fight that they had and the way they played," Arnold said
"I'm just so proud that we've been able to put smiles on people's faces, it's the first time ever an Australian team has won two games in a row at the World Cup
"Maybe we're talking about a new golden generation now, because we've been listening and hearing about the golden generation of 2006, who got four points and now we've got six
"Mathew Leckie scored his 14th goal for Australia in all competitions (first at the World Cup), at least five more than any other player in the Socceroos World Cup squad
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