Danes and Aussies share spoils in pulsating draw dominated by VAR

The Aussies needed a result after narrowly losing 2-1 to France in their opener while their opposition just about scraped a victory against Peru, meaning it was set up to be an exciting encounter in Samara.

It produced just that with Denmark hitting the ground running in the opening stages, capitalising in the seventh minute through their talisman Christian Eriksen.

The Danes won possession in midfield and played the ball through to Nicolai Jorgensen to flick delicately into the path of a rushing Eriksen who smashed a half-volley into the back of the net.

After weathering the early onslaught, Australia were able to grow into the game but they lacked cutting edge up front which had similarly been missing in the defeat to France.

Thankfully, they were handed a lifeline in the 35th minute with VAR taking centre stage again in the tournament.

Aaron Mooy whipped in a corner which found Matt Leckie rising the highest to head at goal. It looked like it had taken a deflection, allowing Kasper Schmeichel to gather.

However, the referee stopped play shortly after to look at the VAR for an alleged handball by Yussuf Poulsen in the box with replays showing it was clear as day.

A penalty was subsequently awarded while Poulsen was shown a yellow card. There was no doubt who was going to take the spot-kick with Jedinak stepping up to the plate.

The midfielder made it 12 from 12 for his country, calmly sending Schmeichel the wrong way to equalise for the 'Socceroos' going into half-time.

Australia continued their dominance after the break but continued to struggle actually finishing their chances. 

Schmeichel was called into action on numerous occasions to keep the scores level and it would prove crucial as the Danes held on to secure a 1-1 draw.

The result means Denmark leapfrog France to top Group C ahead of the other match between 'Les Bleus' and Peru on Thursday afternoon.

As for Australia, their chances of progressing to the Round of 16 took another blow but they aren't completely dead, now depending on the results in the final round of group fixtures next week.

 

June 21, 2018