The ‘J sign’ that capped off Mitchell Duke’s story from journeyman to joy

The striker's winner resuscitated Australia's World Cup campaign - and his gesture to son Jaxson symbolised his personal sacrifice

Mitchell Duke knew he was going to score against Tunisia. He'd told his family as much before the game, and also let his coach know he would soon join the small group of Socceroos to score at a World Cup. Just to be sure, he did some prep work with his son, Jaxson, teaching him how to make a letter J with his fingers.

When the striker fulfilled his prophecy on Saturday, netting the winner to resuscitate Australia's campaign, he turned to where his family sat in the Al Janoub Stadium stands and made the J sign they had practised. He didn't know it at the time but Jaxson, who was wearing his dad's No 15 jersey, made the same signal right back.