Denmark and Australia could not make an impact coming into their second group C duel in the 2018 World Cup.
Both teams tried to take the win and secure the three points but fell short and ended up sharing a not so wanted point.
Denmark’s World Cup Knockout Round Hopes Remain Strong After 1-1 Draw With Australia
Denmark took the best part of it, reaching four points after they beat Peru 1-0 in their opening game. For the Australians, it’s an uphill road from here with just a single point from two matches.
But there’s still a hope for the Aussies. They will face Peru in the last group stage match which they must win or their World Cup will come to an end.
Christian Eriksen’s opener in the seventh minute seemed like Denmark had the control of the game. However, the Europeans’ dominance was going down and the Socceroos managed to tie the game in the 38th minute.
Many factors prevented Denmark from exiting the Samara Arena with the victory, and one of them was the poor performance by 24-year-old striker Yussuf Yurary Poulsen.
Poulsen earned a yellow card in the 58th minute, his second of the tournament. That means he will miss the last match of the group stage against France on June 26. That leaves Denmark’s forward line exposed. Poulsen scored the only goal in the triumph over Peru and his absence against France will be noticed.
Another key point was Eriksen not making a big effort after scoring the opener in the first half. Even though the Tottenham midfielder earned the Man of the Match award, he simply could not transcend in the second half.
For the second time, VAR technology conceived a penalty to Australia, and once again Mile Jedinak scored from the 18-yard box.
Up Next
Denmark, with four points in their hands, will go for a spot in the round of 16 for the first time since 2002 when they face off against France on June 26.
Australia, having one point, will have its most important game of the year against Peru also on June 26.
Date
This was the fourth time Danes and Aussies faced each other and the first time the match ended in a draw with Denmark taking two of the previous three meetings.
Australia is in the midst of a five-game winless streak game at the World Cup, drawing one and losing four in that span.
Denmark will try to reach the knockout stage of the tournament for the fourth time in its history while Australia hopes to do so for the second time. After two matches, it’s the Socceroos who have the most work to do in order to realize that eventuality.
