MORDOVIA, Russia (June 16, 2018) – Denmark won its first FIFA World Cup match in eight years after defeating Peru with a superb goal by Yussuf Yurary Poulsen.
Peru 0-1 Denmark: Yussuf Poulsen strikes give Denmark its first three points
Poulsen opened the score in the 59th minute after a wonderful pass by Tottenham’s midfielder Christian Eriksen. Denmark took the three points and tied France in the first place of Group C.
The Danish team stayed calm despite the harassment Peru put on them all game long.
VAR awarded a penalty kick for Peru in the 45th minute but Cristian Cuevas missed the opportunity to give his country the lead after shooting the ball above the crossbar.
Indeed, for the second time in Day 3 of the World Cup, the VAR appeared after taking place for the first time in the World Cup history in France 2-1 win against Australia in Group’s C opener.
Peru failed to score but the South American team tried everything just to fall short in their first World Cup game since 1982.
Peru’s coach Ricardo Gareca decided to not include the striker Paolo Guerrero in the starting line-up and he paid the consequences. Gerrero entered in the second half and almost tied the match in the 83rd minute with a kick that nearly crossed the line.
Peru’s last World Cup game had been in the 0-5 defeat to Poland in the Group state in 1982. This was the first meet ever between Peruvians and Danishes in an international game.
Key points
- Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had three remarkable saves to earn The Man of the Match award.
2. Peru missed four shots on target, including the blown penalty by Cuevas.
3. Gareca decision to left Gerrero on the bench in the first half could have been the turning point.
Up Next
Peru will face off France on June 21 at Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg. Denmark will battle against Australia on June 21 at Cosmos Arena, Samara.
