Samara: Denmark and Australia played out a 1-1 draw on Thursday as a Mile Jedinak penalty secured a point for the Socceroos after a sublime Christian Eriksen strike inside seven minutes put the Danes ahead at the Samara Arena in the FIFA World Cup 2018.
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Playing their second match of the tournament, both teams had started on the front foot, with Denmark’s performance much better than in their opener against Peru, where their first shot came after 27 minutes.
This time around, it took them just three minutes to register a shot, with Thomas Delaney diverting Eriksen’s corner, although failing to test Mattew Ryan in goal. Soon, Australia squandered their chance to draw first blood, with Mathew Leckie’s header flying over the bar from a corner.
The first goal arrived on the seven-minute mark, with the Tottenham Hotspurs playmaker converting from just inside the box with a delightful touch to score his 15th goal in 18 appearances for his nation.
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The lead, however, did not last the first half with the referee pointing to the spot after consulting with the Video Assistant Referee. Mile Jedinak scored his second penalty of the tournament to level the scores, also becoming the second highest goal scorer (3) for Australia in FIFA World Cup Finals after Tim Cahill (5).
The second half of the match saw Australia grow into the game, as they started imposing their play on the Danes, although to no avail as Denmark held on for the draw.
Australia will now have to win against Peru on June 26 to keep their round-of-16 hopes alive, while Denmark will face France on the same day.