Key Point
- Mitchell Duke scored the soccer-loose winning goal against Tunisia on Saturday.
- The striker gestured to his son Jackson, who was in the crowd.
- The sweet moment between father and son made headlines all over the world.
Mitchell Duke may have been the name on everyone’s lips after the football looses’ win over Tunisia on Saturday, but an emotional moment during the match saw his son burst onto the world stage. rice field.
After scoring When Australia won the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, Duke ran to the crowd and made a ‘J’ symbol with both hands in honor of his son Jackson.
Television cameras then cut into the crowd at Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar, capturing Jackson gesturing back while wearing a soccer jersey with his father’s number 15 on it.
“There was a huge response from all over the world with that sound,” the soccer striker told FIFA.
“He [Jaxson’s] Overwhelmed me, but I’ll take it – he’s a little superstar and I’m glad he’s getting all the headlines.
“I’m sure he’ll be a little king when he goes back to school, too.”
Duke has been living away from his UK-based wife, son and daughter since signing for Japanese club Fagiano Okayama last August.
“Sharing that moment with him is something we look back on and will be one of the best memories of our lives.
“Once he’s a little older, I’m sure…he’ll be able to appreciate it a little more.”
Duke’s 23rd-minute header against Tunisia means the Socceroos have a chance of finishing in the top two in Group D. First time since 2006.
The 31-year-old said Socceroos legend Tim Cahill gave him some tips before the tournament.
“I was one of the earliest people here in Qatar to prepare for this World Cup and we were lucky enough to have him join us in training a few times,” Duke said.
Mitch Duke celebrates his goal against Tunisia. sauce: Getty / Miguel Medina
“He gave me some pointers to try my ruthless nature a little more, as the World Cup may have limited opportunities.
“I think it certainly helped my mindset. Yeah, it’s nice to score a goal of his quality.”
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/how-a-simple-gesture-pushed-this-footballers-son-into-the-limelight-at-the-world-cup/3zqwice3x FIFA World Cup 2022: Mitch Duke celebrates a soccer goal with his son
