Doha, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Mitchell Duke went to the sidelines after scoring the only goal of the game for Australia, facing the stands and the camera, and compared the letter "J" with both hands. It was the initials of the name of his 6-year-old son, Jaxon.
"I give this goal to my children." Duke said in response to a question from a Xinhua reporter at the post-game press conference on the 26th. Duke's two children followed their father to Doha to witness his father's excitement in helping the team.
Mitchell Duke (right) celebrates scoring with teammate Jay Irving on November 26. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zheng Huansong
It was Duque's header in the 23rd minute that pierced Tunisia's defence to win for Australia and keep the team's chance of qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar.
How hard-won was this victory? Australia head coach Arnold said: "This is the first time Australia has won the World Cup in 12 years and for the first time since 1974 it has conceded zero goals at the World Cup, which is incredible. ”
The little-known Duke became the man who rewrote history.
Duke, 31, has not had a prominent career and has never played in a European professional league. His only connection to the Europa League was a trial at West Ham United in the Premier League in 2013. Came from the youth training system of Parramatta Eagles Club in New South Wales, Australia, and has been in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Japan and other leagues for many years.
In 2011, he was briefly sent to the Australian semi-professional league. Currently in Japan, he can only keep one place in the second division.
Mitchell Duque (first from left) competes with Tunisia's Issam Jebali (second from left) on November 26. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zheng Huansong
Duke is a man with a strong sense of family. His father, Bill Duke, had him in his 40s, and Duke has 8 siblings. When he signed with the Western Sydney Rangers Club a few years ago, he didn't tell his parents in time, but instead designed a surprise session to please them.
When Jaxon was born in Britain in 2016, Duke immediately booked a flight from Japan.
"When a child is born, it is really unbearable to die without being able to be with his partner. My partner and I made a lot of sacrifices, but our love revolved around little Jaxon. My love for him transcends the boundaries of this world. I am the happiest and proudest father in the world. ”
When he was named in the Australia World Cup squad, he excitedly said to Jaxon: "I'm an Australian striker!" ”
'When I first came to the World Cup squad, I wasn't confident enough to be sure I was capable of scoring goals. Duke said, "Today is different, I had a feeling before the game, I want to score! ”
Tunisian goalkeeper Aimon Damen (centre) failed to save Mitchell Duque's shot on 26 November. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zheng Huansong
Far more Tunisian fans than Australian fans came to Janub Stadium that day. "We have to deal not only with the opponent, but also with this atmosphere that is almost the opponent's home turf. Both sides were aggressive and in the end we succeeded. Duke said.
"I said to Jaxon that if I could score a goal, I would make that gesture for him." "I've always wanted to share this special moment with him, and it's a moment I'll cherish and remember for the rest of my life," Duke said. ”