'This is why we make all the sacrifices': Ryan

Socceroos Captain, Mat Ryan said he was enormously proud after Australia grabbed their first FIFA World Cup win in 12 years with a gutsy 1-0 triumph over Tunisia on Saturday night (AEDT).

The Socceroos shot-stopper put in a strong shift between the sticks as Australia kept their first clean sheet in more than 48 years after achieving the feat during their inaugural appearance in 1974.

Mitch Duke’s first half header secured just Australia’s third victory at the FIFA World Cup and first since 2010 against Serbia.

Saturday’s victory means the Socceroos control their destiny going into their final Group D match against Denmark on Thursday morning AEDT.

Speaking post-match, Ryan said the magnitude of Saturday’s victory hadn’t quite sunk in yet for the Socceroos.

“An enormous sense of pride for the playing group, our families, staff, everyone who’s been along for the journey from day dot,” Ryan said.

“This is why we make all the sacrifices and dedicate ourselves, it’s for afternoons like this.

“There’s been so many players before us that have obviously tried to achieve the same heights and unfortunately they’ve been unsuccessful.

“Once it all sinks in, to be part of a team that’s won a game at the World Cup and had a clean sheet as well, it’s going to be quite special.

“But in saying that, the messages are already there, by no means are we satisfied with the result with where things are, we’re hungry, we want more, we want to get to the knockout stage.

“We’ve got, who knows - 100 minutes of football left so we’ll enjoy the win and come tomorrow we’ll focus on that game against Denmark.”

Ryan and Mathew Leckie both made their eighth World Cup starts for Australia in Saturday’s win, which sets a new record for the nation at the finals.

Only Mark Bresciano (9 games, 6 starts) and Tim Cahill (9 games, 7 starts) have made more World Cup appearances for the Socceroos than Ryan and Leckie (both 8).

Ryan, who marked his record setting appearance with Australia's second ever World Cup clean sheet said the shut out was a credit to the whole group.

“I haven’t really thought about those things, for sure it’s definitely a moment of a dream come true, being a goalkeeper growing up you dream of playing in the best tournaments, World Cups, keeping clean sheets, winning games,” Ryan said.

“I don’t even think for myself but collectively as a group it’s probably a pinch yourself sort of moment because we’ve been able to achieve that today.

“But like I said we’re very motivated, we’re very hungry for more and that’s the opportunity when you get to represent your country at this level.”