QATAR: Australia advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since 2006 thanks to Mathew Leckie’s game-winning goal against Denmark in their last Group D match on Wednesday.
Australia’s winning spree in the 60th minute finalized Denmark’s defeat
After a scoreless first half in which Denmark seemed active and had more possession of the ball, Australia scored in the 60th minute when Leckie got through the Danish defence and spun into space before putting the ball home.
With six points, Australia tied for second place with France, the defending champions, who took first place in the group after Tunisia defeated them 1-0. Denmark came in last place with one point, with Tunisia in third with four points.
After two rounds, Graham Arnold’s team will play the winners of Group C, led by Poland. In their final group match on Wednesday, Poland takes on Argentina.
The Australians have reached the knockout stages just twice. The first time they did so was in 1996 when they lost 1-0 to Italy in the round of 16.
Kasper Hjulmand, the coach of Denmark, stated that his team’s performance against Australia was “too emotional” and lacked “quality.”
In the first half, Denmark had chances and could have led, but Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan stopped Jesper Lindstrom’s close-range shot and Mathias Jensen’s attempt.
In the 19th minute, as the defender drilled the ball into the box, Australia’s defence gave Joakim Maehle space on the left. However, Ryan once more came to Australia’s rescue and kicked the ball away.
As forward Duke Mitchell shot from close range and forward Riley McGree had a shot saved by Kasper Schmeichel, Australia began creating opportunities and posing a threat to the Danish defence.
At the hour mark, Leckie timed his run perfectly to send the ball through Maehle’s legs and past Schmeichel to give Australia the lead.
Ten minutes later, the referee gave Denmark a penalty for a foul on Kasper Dolberg, and Denmark thought they had a chance to tie the score. The penalty was reversed by the referee, who raised the flag for offside.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Tunisia Stuns Defending Champion France 1-0
