Australia beats Denmark to secure a place in the last 16 of the World Cup for the second time

A goal by Leckie in the 15th minute of the second half ensured Australia’s 1-0 victory over Denmark, at the Al Janoub stadium, in Al Wakrah, and the selection’s classification for the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, pass in second place in Group D. Denmark, which was pointed out as one of the favorites for the vacancy in the key, alongside France, is on the way.

This is the second time that the Australian team has reached the last 16 of a World Cup. The first was in 2006, when they advanced in a group that had Brazil, but fell in the round of 16 against Italy, which ended up becoming champion.

Now, Australia awaits the opponent, who will leave Group C, which has Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Mexico fighting for the vacancy.

Australia and Denmark started the game with the selection of Oceania at an advantage in the search for qualification to the round of 16. Being able to play for a draw, as long as Tunisia did not beat France in the other group match, which was being played at the same time.

For Denmark, the only thing that mattered was the victory in order to stay alive in the World Cup. And, for that, he went on the attack from the start, opening the game on the flanks to try to surprise the Australians in the area. However, the team faltered in the passes.

With more game volume, Denmark kept possession of the ball, but couldn’t break Australia’s marking, which bet on counterattacks to overcome the rival. But these counterattacks were not used efficiently.

Denmark’s first chance to score came at 12min, when Jensen received it on the right, inside the area, dominated and crossed the ball. Goalkeeper Ryan spread it out for a corner.

Australia’s response came at 18min, with Godwin, but the Danish defense blocked the kick, making life easier for goalkeeper Schmeichel.

And that was the tone throughout the first half: Denmark pressed on, but didn’t put a lot of effort into finishing. Australia counterattacked, but without endangering the Danish goalkeeper. There were five submissions by Denmark and three by Australia, but nothing spectacular. But as Tunisia did not leave the tie with France in the other match, the Australians went to the locker room calmer with the 0 to 0.

In the second half, coach James Arnold returned with striker Baccus in place of midfielder Goodwin, to try to give more speed to the Australian counterattack. But the second half had barely begun and the panorama was already different, as Tunisia opened the scoring against France and took second place in the group.

However, this scenario did not last long, since at 15min, in the first successful counterattack, Leckie put the Australians ahead on the scoreboard and also back to second place in the bracket. After a hit-and-run on defense, MacGree had the upper hand and launched Leckie at midfield speed. He dominated, went on the attack, on the left, got rid of two markers and hit the low left corner of Schmeichel: 1 to 0.

After the goal, Denmark strengthened its offensive power, with the additions of Cornelius and Skov. A minute before the goal, Damsgaard and Dolberg had already entered. Thus, the team continued to maintain the pressure, but not very efficiently. Australia, on the other hand, satisfied with the result that guaranteed their classification, held on in defense and didn’t even bother to fit in a counterattack.

The numbers showed the Australian efficiency in marking. With 35min of the second half, the team had won 59.7% of ball disputes against 40.2% of the Danes.

As time passed, the Danish frenzy increased in proportion to the errors. Australia, on the other hand, unfolded in the marking. And it was like that until the final whistle.