Australia and France will play in the World Cup’s round of 16 after Australia defeated Denmark 1-0 in their third match of Group D.
The Socceroos were left in second place in the section after Mathew Leckie’s game-winning goal in the 60th minute, two points ahead of third-placed Tunisia, which astonishingly defeated France 1-0.
For just the second time in their history, Australia made it to the round of 16, while Denmark was eliminated from a World Cup in the group stage twice.
Graham Arnold’s team, who finished second in Group D, will play Argentina, who may have won Group C, in the next round.
In the third minute, the socceroos had a half-chance when Riley McGree broke to the front and shot outside of the Danish box, but Andreas Christensen was there to make a crucial stop.
In the eleventh minute, Mathias Jensen broke into a wide area and presented Denmark with their first real chance. However, Australia’s diving goalkeeper Mathew Ryan blocked the midfielder’s shot.
Soon after, Andreas Skov Olsen attempted to score but missed the crossbar, and then Kasper Schmeichel saved a shot from Mitchell Duke at the other end of the field. Then, in the 29th minute, with Denmark looking to break through, Christian Eriksen dragged one wide of the Australian post.
The two teams went into halftime tied at 0-0 despite Australia carrying a threat down the other end and Schmeichel having to stop a shot from Duke in the 42nd minute. Jackson Irvine, who was found inside the Denmark box, gave Australia another opportunity in the 48th minute, but the midfielder scooped his shot over the crossbar.
On the hour, however, Leckie raced onto a deft pass from McGree, exploited the space, and skillfully placed the ball in the bottom corner of the goal to give the Socceroos the lead.
When Kasper Dolberg went down in the penalty area 20 minutes from time, the referee pointed for a Denmark penalty, but the offside flag saved Australia.
As the second period neared its conclusion, Australia was slipping further and further, but Denmark’s lack of quality made it relatively easy for Arnold’s team.
In the closing minutes, Harry Souttar excelled for the Socceroos, making a number of crucial clearances, while Alexander Bah whiffed on a late half-chance for Denmark.
Ryan had to maintain his composure under pressure late, and Andreas Cornelius scored the game-winning goal with seconds remaining. Australia kept a clean sheet to secure the victory they needed to advance to the round of 16 with a record of two wins and one loss from their three games in the section.
Denmark dominated the first half, but it was still relatively quiet in both boxes. Souttar turned Maehle’s cross toward his own goal, forcing Ryan into a stop, but the keeper responded well to make a save with his feet. Australia did manage to get three shots on goal in the opening frame, but each attempt was easy for Schmeichel to stop.
Leckie gave Australia the lead in the 60th minute for a successful start to the second period. Before nutmegging Maehle on his way to scoring in the bottom right corner, he ran 40 yards. Australia defeats Denmark 1-0 to advance to the knockout rounds. Denmark played poorly in the second half and was unable to pose any threats to Ryan.
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