Graham Arnold was immensely proud after the Socceroos produced an inspired performance to defeat Tunisia 1-0 in its second match of Group D at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on Saturday night (AEDT).
It was just Australia's third victory at the FIFA World Cup finals and first since 2010 in South Africa against Serbia.
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Arnold praised the spirit and desire shown from his players to bounce back from the France loss and collect the three points, while registering a maiden clean sheet in over 48 years.
The boss was thrilled but measured in his response, insisting the objective to advance to the knockout stages is the ultimate focus.
“At the end of the day, it's just one game," he told reporters in the post-match press conference.
"And as I said before, in the press conference yesterday, I do believe that the best friendly match we could've ever had was against France, because we got punished for our mistakes.
"Today, obviously, the opposition wasn't as good as the world champions.
"But I felt that our performance, our fight, and our grit and our determination, the old Aussie way was very important tonight and I'm very, very proud of the boys."
After winless tournaments in 2014 and 2018, Australia's destiny is in their hands and only need a draw against Denmark in its final group match, provided Tunisia does not beat France.
Arnold said while breaking a 12-year drought was an incredible feeling, they can reflect on their achievements after the tournament.
The 59-year-old stressed their focus must now turn to Denmark, and that is exactly what Arnold told the players in a huddle on the pitch of Al Janoub Stadium following the gruelling contest.
"We will focus on ourselves and focus on making sure that we get ourselves right," said Arnold, who became the first Australian-born coach to win a game at the FIFA World Cup.
"And that's what I said to the boys when I got them in a circle after the game is, I'm very proud but we've achieved nothing at this moment.
"Yes, obviously we can talk after about you know, one win and it hasn't been done for 12 years and all that stuff.
"But you know I'm here and we're here to go as far as we can go.
"So that one game is done and I don't want any emotion from the players.
"I don't want them sitting up all night looking at social media and all that stuff. It's about sleeping, well recover well and get the mindset ready for Denmark."
Mitch Duke's 23rd minute header, where he contorted his body to divert Craig Goodwin's deflected cross into the bottom corner, also sparked wild scenes of jubilation back home - particularly at Melbourne's Federation Square.
Arnold was delighted his side could provide so much joy and elation to the millions watching in Australia.
"(For) the fans back at home it's a moment they'll remember for the rest of their lives and just want them to enjoy," he said.
"And that's what I said to the boys before the game, let's put a smile on the nation's face.
"You know there's one team, and I've said this many times, one or two teams that bring the nation together and that is the Socceroos and the Matildas.
"And when the Socceroos play at World Cups, AFL fans rugby league fans, cricket fans they all become football fans.
"And I can imagine the celebrations that are going home especially on primetime TV at nine o'clock."