Jedinak spot on again for Australia
Mile Jedinak has a knack for penalty kicks and his strategy is beyond simple.
‘‘Just to get that ball in the back in the net,’’ the Australia captain said after converting from the spot to give Australia a 1-1 draw against Denmark yesterday and new life at the World Cup.
The 38th-minute penalty was set up after Denmark forward Yussuf Poulsen was called for a handball following a video review.
The goal was Jedinak’s second from the spot at this year’s World Cup, and snapped Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s run of five successive clean sheets for the Danes.
‘‘It’s more just composing and staying concentrated, regardless of the situation, regardless of where you’re standing and regardless of what’s going on around you,’’ added Jedinak, who has converted 16 straight penalties. Christian Eriksen scored in the opening minutes for Denmark, who have gone unbeaten in 17 straight international matches.
The Danes held the lead until the yellow on Poulsen, which was not without controversy. Video replay also gave Peru a penalty against the Danes in the opener, but it wasn’t converted.
‘‘After today I don’t like the system. It’s the second match it’s been used against us,’’ Eriksen said. ‘‘If you want to use the VAR for penalties, you should also use it for freekicks. Two matches in a row, that’s bitter.’’
After the pleas from Denmark’s players to the referee went unheard, Schmeichel had a few words with Jedinak to rattle him. It didn’t work.
‘‘You still have to stay focused in getting good contact and maintain that focus,’’ Jedinak said.
In the later group match, France’s 1-0 victory eliminated Peru while securing a spot in the knockout round for the French.