Australia 1 – 0 Denmark

Australia dumped Denmark out of the World Cup after Mathew Leckie’s strike earned a 1-0 victory and qualification to the final 16 for the primary time since 2006.

Australia knew a draw would see them be part of Group D winners France within the knockout levels, offering Tunisia didn’t beat France, whereas Denmark needed to win to have any likelihood of progressing.

Denmark dominated the primary interval however their lack of ability to attain left Australia on target to qualify till Tunisia took the lead towards the world champions by way of Wahbi Khazri.

That purpose moved Tunisia into the runners-up spot in Group D momentarily till Leckie weaved into the Denmark space and completed previous Kasper Schmeichel (60) as Australia moved again into second, and a resolute defensive show ensured it was not surrendered.

Australia will now face Argentina on Saturday (kick-off 7pm), who completed high of Group C after a 2-0 victory against Poland.

How Australia dumped Denmark out to succeed in final 16

With the Socceroos beginning the day in second spot courtesy of their win over Tunisia, the onus to assault was on Denmark. The Danes have been initially constructive and dominated possession towards a workforce 28 locations under them within the FIFA world rankings, solely to be annoyed in a forgettable opening interval.

Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan tipped over from Mathias Jensen and unconventionally turned away a harmful cross from marauding left-back Joakim Maehle, whereas Christian Eriksen dragged an effort extensive.

Whereas Australia remained compact, Middlesbrough’s Riley McGree examined Schmeichel throughout a uncommon foray ahead to point out they might trigger issues on the counter-attack.

The sample of play endured into the second interval earlier than a purpose within the different Group D recreation left each side in peril.

Information of Tunisia ahead Khazri opening the scoring towards France appeared to have filtered by way of to the Al Janoub Stadium simply earlier than Leckie latched on to McGree’s by way of ball to race clear and end with aplomb.

Denmark wanted at the least two objectives to keep away from leaving Qatar early however, with their lack of innovative, even an equaliser appeared unlikely.

Australia endured a serious scare 19 minutes from time when substitute Kasper Dolberg tumbled within the field earlier than the penalty resolution was swiftly overturned.

The spirited Socceroos, led impressively by Scotland-born centre-back Harry Souttar, defended doggedly and deservedly survived six minutes of added time to upset the Euro 2020 semi-finalists and march on.

Historical past for Australia – Opta stats

• Australia have received consecutive World Cup matches for the primary time, whereas progressing from the group levels of the competitors for simply the second time in six event appearances (additionally 2006).
• Denmark have been eradicated on the group levels of the World Cup for simply the second time (additionally 2010), whereas that is the primary time they’ve misplaced consecutive group stage video games on the event.
• Australia are the third workforce to progress from the primary spherical group stage of the World Cup having each misplaced and conceded 4+ objectives of their opening match of the event, after Yugoslavia in 1990 and Ukraine in 2006.
• Australia have saved a clear sheet in consecutive World Cup matches for the primary time. Certainly, they’d saved only one clear sheet of their first 17 matches within the competitors earlier than this run.
• Goalkeeper Mat Ryan each made (39) and accomplished (24) extra passes than every other Australia participant towards Denmark.

What the consequence means

Australia’s second World Cup victory in Qatar sees them end second in Group D on six factors, behind group winners France on purpose distinction. Denmark’s disappointing marketing campaign ends with them backside of the group with only one level.

Australia’s reward is a last-16 tie towards Group C winners Argentina on Saturday (kick-off 7pm).

What the supervisor mentioned…

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold believes the workforce that battled their well past Denmark and into the World Cup final 16 on Wednesday have a case to be thought of the brand new “golden era” of Australian soccer.

“I am simply so pleased with the gamers, the work ethic, the dedication, the battle that that they had and the best way they performed,” Arnold mentioned.

“I am simply so proud that we have been capable of put smiles on folks’s faces, it is the primary time ever an Australian workforce has received two video games in a row on the World Cup.

“Possibly we’re speaking a couple of new golden era now, as a result of we have been listening and listening to in regards to the golden era of 2006, who received 4 factors and now we have six.”

Participant of the match – Mathew Leckie

Mathew Leckie scored his 14th purpose for Australia in all competitions (first on the World Cup), at the least 5 greater than every other participant within the Socceroos World Cup squad.