Australia draw with Denmark at World Cup

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Australia’s chance of making it to the second round of the ongoing World Cup suffered a blow as they played a fruitless 1-1 draw against Denmark in a Group C game in Samara.

The Danes fielded a lineup of six players at least 190 cm tall but still couldn’t take the advantage of the aerial balls against a gritty Australian defense even though they manifested good performance on the ground in terms of skills and agility.

Seven minutes into the game, Christian Eriksen’s left-footed half-volley from a Nicolai Jorgensen pass gave the Danes a 1-0 lead.

Australia soon bounced back from the early blow and took control of the midfield, pressing for the equalizer.

Denmark's Christian Eriksen celebrates with Yussuf Poulsen after scoring their first goal against Australia. /VCG Photo

Thirty minutes later, a Mathew Leckies header from a corner kick hit the arm of Yussuf Yurary Poulsen and after applying to the on-field review system, the referee adjudged a spot kick in favor of the Australians.

Captain Mile Jedinak made no mistake in converting the fifth penalty awarded after a VAR review in the tournament. The equalizer not only brought a new lease of life for the Socceroo, but also lit up the enthusiasm of over 12,000 Australian fans in the arena.

The second half saw some desperate action for the match-winning goal but nothing happened until the final whistle was blown.

Australian midfielder and Captain Mile Jedinak (left) scores from the penalty spot for his side’s equalizer. /VCG Photo

“I am disappointed and proud just as when I sat here after the match against France, I really think we should have had four points from two games, what we miss is the last piece of the puzzle,” Australia's coach Bert van Marwijk said. “We only have to concentrate on the match with Peru.”

Meanwhile, Denmark's coach Age Hareide noted “The (Australian) players are good, well organized, and hard to break down, France was lucky beating them 2-1, and I'm really happy we have four points.”

Australia are now left with the hope of progressing from Group C only if they manage to defeat Peru in five days.

(With input from Xinhua)