sport news Australians are demanding a public holiday after the Socceroos historic win ... trends now
A stunning solo goal from Mathew Leckie has sunk Denmark 1-0 and sent Australia into the World Cup knockout stage for just the second time.
And now after the historic win, Australians are demanding a public holiday.
Fans erupted after the win at Qatar's Al Janoub Stadium, with one holding up a sign saying: 'Give us a public holiday'.
The Socceroos coach's immediate reaction when the full time whistle was blown in Qatar
The demand for a public holiday is also growing on Twitter.
'Good morning Mr. Prime Minister, surely the nation deserves a national public holiday tomorrow. We want to support the Socceroos without worrying about work. Follow in the footsteps of Mr. Hawke and give Australians what they deserve. #AUSvDEN #FIFAWorldCup' another posted.
Australia will face Argentina and its megastar Lionel Messi in a knockout clash on Saturday night (Sunday 0600 AEDT) in Qatar.
Leckie's superb left-footed strike ensures the Socceroos follow the feats of the so-called golden generation in 2006 in reaching the round of 16.
'It's the first time ever an Australian team has won two games of the World Cup in a row,' coach Graham Arnold said.
'Maybe we're talking about a new golden generation now because we have been listening and hearing about the golden generation of 2006 who got four points - and now we have got six.'
Leckie, arguably Australia's best World Cup performer over his three tournaments, entered football folklore with the match-winner at Al Janoub Stadium.
The stalwart, played into space by Riley McGree, broke an hour-long deadlock with his own Danish slice - he ran, teased and then turned his marker after gathering 30 metres from goal.
Mathew Leckie was the hero as Australia beat Denmark 1-0 to qualify for the knockout stages
Leckie's wonderfully taken solo goal was the difference as the Socceroos punched their ticket to the Round of 16 of the World Cup for only the second time in their history
First to his right, then onto his left, Leckie twisted and turned and fired a low left-footer to spark jubilation.
'He had no right to score ... he had no right to put it in the back of the net,' teammate Jamie Maclaren said.
'But when you have got the pace and the experience and the nous that Lecks has ... it was immense.'
Leckie knew he was bound for glory as soon as he connected.
'As the ball was rolling in, I saw it going in, I was so excited and so happy,' he said.
His timing was perfect in more ways
