Denmark, Australia share the spoils
Eriksen's early half-volley cancelled out by Jedinak's penalty
Closely-fought match finishes all square
RELIVE: As it happened, stats, more | Post-match press conferences
Denmark and Australia played in an evenly-fought, intense contest, ending in a 1-1 draw in their second match in Group C at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ in Samara.
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Nicolai Jorgensen laid off a well-placed pass for the Tottenham Hotspur star to beyond Socceroos keeper Mat Ryan.
However a Yussuf Poulsen handball inside the Danish area - following a VAR review - presented Australia the break they need. Mile Jedinak converted the resulting penalty and a yellow card for Poulsen means he will miss Denmark's next match.
With the high intensity continuing into the second period, both teams creating scoring opportunities, but to no avail. The result sees Australia end a run of four consecutive World Cup defeats, while Denmark are unbeaten in their last 17 games.
Team reporter analysis Svend Frandsen with Denmark [Follow: Twitter | Facebook] The Danes said before the game that they were keen on getting back to the free-flowing football that has characterised the team. And their ambitions of playing in a more relaxed fashion got a massive boost when Eriksen put them ahead after seven minutes. But when Australia equalised the confidence and energy slowly seemed to fizzle out of the Danish side. Apart from a Nicolai Jorgensen free header, the Danes (with Eriksen usually man-marked) struggled to create anything worthwhile, whereas the Aussies looked more dangerous with their direct approach.
Sarah Widera with Australia [Follow: Twitter | Facebook] A win would have given Australia a lot more confidence going into their last group game, but it’s not over yet. The Socceroos have everything to play for in their next match against Peru. They still have the chance to progress to the round of 16 for the first time since 2006. Australia definitely had the Danes’ measure in the second-half, with better positioning and more attacking play. Onto the next!
Budweiser Man of the Match Christian Eriksen showed the quality he has his when he slammed home the opening goal on the half volley. Eriksen pulls the string in the Danish midfield, providing pinpoint crossing from set pieces and in open play.
The stat 3 - Australia are the second team in World Cup history to score three consecutive goals from the penalty spot. From the 2006 to 2010 editions, Ghana too bagged three in a row from 12 yards.
What's next? Denmark v France - Group C – 26 June, Moscow, Luzhniki Stadium Australia v Peru - Group C – 26 June, Sochi
Have your say Denmark fans | Australia fans