The Young Socceroos face a nervous wait over their Under-20 World Cup fate after snaring a 3-1 win against Cuba to keep their trophy dream alive in Chile.
Sitting at the bottom of Group D after taking no points from their first two matches, Australia had to win their last group game on Sunday morning (AEDT) to retain a chance of making the final 16.
The Young Socceroos did just that, with Melbourne City star Max Caputo drawing first blood in the 21st minute.
Daniel Bennie added another in the 39th minute, before Caputo popped up again in the 50th to complete his double at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos.
Cuba fought back through a 63rd-minute goal from Alessio Raballo but couldn't pull off the comeback they needed to prevent their exit from the tournament.
Australia's victory on Sunday was their first tournament success, with Trevor Morgan's side moving to third in Group D.
Argentina lead the group on nine points, ahead of Italy on four.
The Young Socceroos must finish as one of the four best third-placed teams in order to reach the round of 16.
Australia has three points from one win and two losses, with a goal difference of -2.
With the final group matches set for Monday, Australia will hope the USA and Colombia will triumph in their respective clashes by sizeable margins against South Africa and Nigeria.
South Africa and Nigeria are on three points but boast a superior goal difference to Australia.
Fellow third-placed teams are Egypt (three points, -2 goal difference), South Korea (four points, +4) and Spain (four, -1).
The Young Socceroos haven't progressed past the group stages since the 2003 tournament.
"We have to wait and we have to keep believing and we have to be ready when an opportunity comes," Morgan said.
"I believe the boys still have more in them.
"The boys have worked hard in the three matches, probably deserved a bit more out of the three matches, so tonight's result is important for us."
Australia burst from the blocks against Cuba, having five shots on target to two in the opening half.
The Young Socceroos finished with 13 shots on target to Cuba's five.
James Overy won possession in Australia's half and set up Caputo for the opening goal with a brilliant through ball.
Caputo, on return to the starting line-up, timed his run brilliantly to beat the outstretched foot of goalkeeper Yurdy Hodelin.
The Young Socceroos found their second goal when Bennie capitalised on a defensive lapse from Cuba.
Midfielder Diego Catasus intercepted a ball from Louis Agosti but struggled to react under hot pressure, allowing Bennie to pounce.
Raballo denied the Young Socceroos a clean sheet after edging out goalkeeper Steven Hall to put the finishing touches on teammate Samuel Rodriguez's cross.
