Jedinak goal helps Aussies stall Dane progress for now
SAMARA: Christian Eriksen’s superb opener was cancelled out by Mile Jedinak’s penalty as Denmark and Australia drew 1-1 at the World Cup on Thursday to ensure Group C would go down to the final round of matches.
Denmark moved on to four points and need at least a draw against France in their last game to guarantee a last-16 spot.
Australia, with one point, are clinging on by their fingertips and need to win their final match against Peru to stand any chance of going through.
Denmark’s seventh-minute opener was fully deserved and the quality of the finish was superb in a World Cup that has produced some wonderful goals.
Aaron Mooy’s poor clearance was immediately returned into the area. Nicolai Jorgensen controlled and flicked the ball inside to Eriksen, who ghosted into space and lashed a sweet half-volley on the rise which flew high into the net.
The finish was Eriksen’s 13th goal in his last 15 appearances for Denmark and underlined the pivotal importance of the Tottenham Hotspur playmaker to the otherwise workmanlike Danes.
Denmark should have doubled their advantage when Jorgensen flashed a header wide at the near post as Australia looked ragged at the back and toothless up front.
Like in their opening game, Australia were handed a route back into the match from the penalty spot, thanks to the Video Assistant Referee.