Leckie fires Socceroos through with win over Denmark
MATHEW Leckie claimed a fine second-half winner as Australia masterminded a World Cup shock by progressing to the knockout stages with a 1-0 victory which eliminated Denmark.
The Socceroos and the Danes were both in danger of crashing out of the tournament due to Tunisia taking the lead against reigning champions France in the other Group D fixture.
But Leckie had other ideas and delivered the knockout blow for the Danes with a superb solo effort in the 60th minute to send Australia into the last 16 for the first time since 2006.
The Melbourne City forward ran almost half the length of the pitch and twisted and turned Joakim Maehle before calmly finishing beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
Denmark offered little in response, albeit they were denied a penalty by an offside flag when Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal pointed to the spot following Harry Souttar’s adjudged foul on Kasper Dolberg.
With the Socceroos starting the day in second spot courtesy of their win over Tunisia, the onus to attack was on Denmark.
The Danes were initially positive and dominated possession against a team 28 places below them in the FIFA world rankings, only to be frustrated in a forgettable opening period.
Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan tipped over from Mathias Jensen and turned away a dangerous cross from marauding left-back Maehle, while Christian Eriksen dragged an effort wide.
The pattern of play persisted into the second period before a goal in the other Group D game left both sides in grave danger.
News of Tunisia forward Wahbi Khazri opening the scoring against France appeared to have filtered through to the Al Janoub Stadium just before Leckie latched on to McGree’s through ball to race clear and finish with aplomb. Denmark needed at least two goals to avoid leaving Qatar early, but couldn’t find even one.