Battling Aussies thrown big lifeline after VAR intervention
ASTON VILLA’S Mile Jedinak maintained his status as the deadliest penalty-taker at the World Cup after another VAR controversy in Samara. Australia skipper Jedinak cancelled out Christian Eriksen’s stunning opener for Denmark by wrongfooting Kasper Schmeichel from the spot for the 16th conversion of his career from 16 attempts — the only player in Russia with a 100-per-cent record. But Denmark were left furious by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz’s call after a review to penalise Yussuf Poulsen, even though he wasn’t looking at the ball when Mathew Leckie’s header hit his hand from close range. In his role as a
TV pundit, Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill was baffled. ‘What is Poulsen going to do with his arm, get it cut off?’ he fumed. As a result of yesterday’s draw, Denmark still require a result against France in their final group game to guarantee progress to the knockout stages, while Australia need to beat Peru to have a chance of qualifying from Group C. Despite the fortunate nature of their goal, the Socceroos fully deserved their result against the Danes and could have snatched it at the end when Schmeichel had to make fine saves from Aaron Mooy, Daniel Arzani and Leckie. ‘My players looked tired. We lost the ball too often, faced too many counter-attacks and had to do too much running,’ accepted Danish boss Age Hareide afterwards. Jedinak, 33, said of his side’s gritty performance: ‘I’m very proud of the boys. We’re still in it and we’ll keep holding on and go again.’ Denmark made a perfect start after seven minutes when Tottenham midfielder Eriksen rifled home his 17th goal in 20 internationals. Pressure led to Leckie’s goalbound header striking Poulsen and, though Mateu Lahoz didn’t initially award the 38thminute penalty, the referee changed his mind after watching it again on screen. Schmeichel harangued Jedinak as he prepared to take the kick but the bearded midfielder ignored any mind games by slotting low to the keeper’s left.
DENMARK (4-3-3): Schmeichel 6; Dalsgaard 7, Kjaer 6, Christensen 7, Larsen 6; Delaney 5.5, Schone 6, Eriksen 6.5; Poulsen 6 (Braithwaite 59min, 5.5), Jorgensen 7 (Cornelius 68, 6), Sisto 5. Scorer: Eriksen 7. Booked: Poulsen, Sisto. Manager: Age Hareide 6. AUSTRALIA (4-2-3-1): Ryan 7; Risdon 6, Sainsbury 6, Milligan 6.5, Behich 7; Jedinak 7, MOOY 8; Leckie 7.5, Rogic 7 (Irvine 82), Kruse 6 (Arzani 68, 6.5); Nabbout 5.5 (Juric 75, 6). Scorer: Jedinak 38 pen. Booked: None. Manager: Bert van Marwijk 7. Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spa) 6. Attendance: 40,727.