Degenek praises ‘phenomenal’ backline as Australia make World Cup history

After making his first FIFA World Cup start and helping Australia keep back-to-back clean sheets at the tournament for the first time, Milos Degenek heaped his praise on a resolute Socceroos defence.

Off the back of a disappointing result against France, Australia bounced back to claim a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Tunisia.

Just days later, the side held strong again to keep Denmark out and secure another 1-0 victory to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup for just the second time in history after the 2006 pioneers.

Despite Denmark being ranked 10th in the world, the Socceroos did not take a backward step and put everything on the line to protect their goal to secure back-to-back World Cup clean sheets for the first time ever. 

Prior to Thursday morning (AEDT), the Socceroos had kept just one clean sheet in their first 17 matches in the World Cup before this run, which occurred back in 1974.

Degenek provided a powerful insight into the mentality behind his side's defensive effort against quality opposition. 

“It’s hard to put into words because it was my first World Cup start with a win and a clean sheet,” Degenek said. 

We now have two clean sheets in a row at a World Cup which is a phenomenal thing. 

“I think this is the first time we have beaten a top 10 nation at a World Cup so it’s a dream come true.

“We keep going and we have to keep our heads down. We have to stay on the ground, not float above anything and just be switched on for the next game.”

“We want to make more history and want to make the people proud. We want to keep doing things that no one believed that we could do apart from the 40 or 50 people that are here in camp.” 

In a match where another huge team effort was required, the Socceroos produced it. 

Under immense defensive pressure throughout the match as Jesper Lindstrøm, Joakim Mæhle and Christian Eriksen all tried to find a way in behind, the Green and Gold defence held strong. 

Degenek also revealed the unique message he used to motivate his fellow defenders before the crucial World Cup match. 

“I said before the game that the goal was like our families,” Degenek explained. 

Every ball that comes towards that goal is like a bullet trying to hit someone in your family, so you have to throw your body in front of it and protect your family.

“I think that's what we did and that's the only way you can save yourself and save the goal.”

The Socceroos will need another huge effort from the entire team if they are to beat two-time World Cup winners Argentina, who topped Group C with six points. 

With the likes of Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Paulo Dybala and Julián Álvarez awaiting, Degenek’s message heading into the clash is simple.

“We are looking forward to it,” he said. 

“It’s 11 against 11 plus the guys on the bench who come on and that’s football. It’s everyone's game.”