Souttar produces phenomenal performance in win against Tunisia

Harry Souttar waited 12 long months for precisely moments like these.

The towering centre-half delivered a phenomenal defensive performance in Australia’s gutsy 1-0 win over Tunisia, punctuated by a textbook, last-ditch sliding tackle on Taha Yassine Khenissi to thwart the imminent danger.

Indeed, a year ago, Souttar’s FIFA World Cup dream was thrown into chaos after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament for his country in a qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

“Obviously, as soon as I'd done my knee, I knew that I wanted to be fit for the World Cup for moments like this,” he said in the mixed zone after the match.

“So you've got a take it in and you've got to celebrate that, but knowing in the back of your mind, that the job's not done.”

The Stoke City defender was ecstatic after Mitch Duke’s wonderful 23rd minute header sealed a vital triumph and means the Socceroos control their destiny going into their final Group D match against Denmark.

But despite all the emotion and pandemonium that comes with a maiden FIFA World Cup victory since 2010 for Australia, Souttar was quick to stress that the job is done yet.

“First and foremost I think, the three points is the most important thing,” Souttar said, as Australia kept just its second clean sheet and first since 1974 at the biggest sporting event in the world.

“Obviously to win knowing that we've still got something to play for going into last game was what everyone was focusing on.

“Just that, that feeling when the final whistle went, knowing that you've done it. “Obviously, we've all seen the videos from back home in Australia, the celebrations, it’s unbelievable.

“It's something I've never seen before, so all of that is just absolutely buzzing.

“… We've got three points, it's amazing, it's great, but there's still one more game to go and if we don't get anything out of that then we're going home, and all our focus is on is on Denmark.”

Souttar was impermeable in defence and recorded a 100% tackle and duel success rate, made six clearances and three blocks and completed five long balls.

Although the 24-year-old played just one 90-minute senior match for Stoke going into the tournament, he remained confident he could produce a display of this level.

“I think you've always got to be self-confident in yourself. I think obviously, the last 10 minutes, my legs were starting to give way a little bit,” he admitted.

“So obviously was just trying to get through it.

“But I thought everyone was unbelievable and Maty (Ryan) coming out for crosses across and taking the pressure off us.

“Kye (Rowles) beside me, the two full-backs, like I could go through the whole team and the subs that came on, everyone was just amazing.

“And just so pleased for all the team, for all the staff and all the hard work that they all put in behind the scenes that goes unnoticed a lot of the time.”