So far so good for Australia.

While the loss to France was heavy did anyone really expect an upset in that game?

The Tunisia game was always going to be the defining moment of this campaign. When the fixture was made, we were lucky to get them in the second game because that set up the possibility the Socceroos would have their fate in their own hands coming into the third group game.

We have not been in this position since 2006 when we knew that a draw against Croatia would be enough to see us through.

Even in 2010, the last time Australia won a game, there was no certainty that beating Serbia in the third group game would be enough to usurp either Ghana or Germany.

But it’s important to note, while it is highly unlikely that Tunisia gets a result against France, a draw may not be enough for the Socceroos if Tunisia shock the world and beat the French.

The Danes will not be easy opponents. They were very good in their loss to France and are a team with multiple stars, many of whom play in top leagues around the world.

But what we saw and learnt about this squad of players is what they lack in individual skill they make up for in heart.

And that is something that really cannot be taught. It can only be, for a lack of a better word, exploited by the right person.

And whatever you may think about Graham Arnold and his coaching ability, tactics, or bizarre substitutions, there is one thing that he has always been able to do: get the best out of the players he has at his disposal.

His post-match comments after the win against Tunisia were a big middle finger to those who have taken every opportunity to criticise him and his efforts.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am no fan of the way he plays the game. I find it boring and dour.

But I’ve said this before: the laws of the game do not dictate how the game should be won.

Our beautiful game can be played in many ways and the reality is Graham Arnold, for all his failings, is a pretty good national team coach. Why? Because he knows his cattle and sets them up accordingly.

It reminds me of when Sam Allardyce was managing Blackburn. He was criticised for his style of play. He responded by reminding people that if he had the players Real Madrid did, he’d play like they did but, in reality, he had a Blackburn side that scrapped for every ball and played to its strengths. The same is true for the Socceroos.

Simon Hill said this week in a Twitter soliloquy that it is a minor miracle we continue to qualify for the World Cup. He’s right and what we’ve managed to achieve over the last 16 years is phenomenal.

There is something to be said about the way Australian football is played, which makes it unique. Sure, it hasn’t been perfect and sure there was plenty of noise about Arnold getting the sack after that loss in Japan in the qualification phase. But history will show that he is the first Australian-born coach to guide his national team to a World Cup win.

He may not be the best Australian coach in the world, but that is a feat no one can ever take away from him.

And I am certain that these players will continue to make history tomorrow morning.

With the possibility of playing Poland in the next round, this may be the defining moment Australian soccer has been waiting for.

Poland is an excellent football team, but they have also shown that they are susceptible, and as far as European nations go, they are arguably one of the weaker ones in this competition (which is probably a testament to how strong UEFA is).

I’m not sure if I’ll sleep tonight, I’m not sure how I’ll be at 1:30am tomorrow morning, nor how I’ll be at approximately 4am.

But I can tell you one thing. When the dust settles and I’m into my fifth or sixth coffee on Thursday morning I will feel an immense amount of pride in the 26 players, the coaches, the support staff and all the people that have represented Australia at this tournament, irrespective of what happens against Denmark.

I think we’ve all forgotten that we believed this was our tournament to host. We could’ve gone to Qatar bearing that grudge, telling the rest of the world they could have gone to a nation without the controversy surrounding this tournament.

Instead, we have ignored the noise, we have ignored the criticisms, we have ignored the hyperbole about things allegedly happening on the ground in Qatar and just got on with doing the job of winning football matches.

And that is something that we can all be proud of.