Manchester United and Tunisia star Hannibal Mejbri slams a ball into Socceroos hero Mitchell Duke’s FACE as he was down on the ground - leaving the Aussies furious

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Hannibal Mejri sparked tense scenes at the World Cup after throwing the ball at a rival player's face on Saturday.

The Manchester United young gun was named on the bench for Tunisia's Group D clash with Australia at the Al-Janoub Stadium, with both sides needing a victory to strengthen their prospects of reaching the knockouts.

And in a bizarre sequence of events, the attacker launched the ball into the face of Socceroos star Mitch Duke as he was lying on the ground, resulting in players squaring up to one another. 

Man United star Hannibal Mejbri sparked tense scenes after throwing the ball at a Socceroo

Mitch Duke had the last laugh as his sumptuous header handed Australia a big win

But Duke had the last laugh, heading home the winner to hand Australia their first World Cup win in 12 years.

Socceroos boss Graham Arnold could barely hide his pride after their mammoth win.

'I'm just hugely proud of the boys, they showed that great fighting Aussie spirit tonight,' he said. 'I expect we made the nation very proud. 

'The other night we played against the world champions and the boys had the same effort level. 

'When the doubters hate us, bring it on. I said to the boys after the game it was the best friendly we could ever have, a lot of those mistakes were removed tonight and I couldn't be prouder of the boys. 

'Now we move forward, yes we achieved one thing but it's nothing, there is more to do.' 

Saturday's victory gives Australia a fighting chance of advancing to the knockout stages