Australia’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in their last Group D encounter on Wednesday sent them to the round of 16 for the first time since 2006. In the 60th minute, Australia broke through on the counter after a scoreless first half in which Denmark looked the more active and had more possession. Leckie dribbled past the Danish defense and twisted into space before putting the ball home. Australia beats Denmark, thanks to Leckie’s goal is news of the day. Read out the complete details down below.
Australia beats Denmark thanks to Leckie’s goal
After a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Tunisia, the world champions Australia finished second in their group with six points. Denmark finished dead last with only one point. Tunisia is in third at four. Graham Arnold’s squad will next compete against the Group C champions, which Poland currently tops. In the third group stage encounter of the day, Poland will take on Argentina.
Australia is making its second round-of-16 appearance, 16 years after losing to Italy 1-0. Denmark had multiple scoring chances in the first half, but Jesper Lindstrom’s shot was blocked, and Mat Ryan saved a Mathias Jensen shot.
Joakim Maehle had space on the left and hammered the ball into the box in the nineteenth minute. But Australia’s saving grace, Ryan, kicked the ball away. Duke Mitchell, a forward for Australia, aimed from a distance. Riley McGree saw a shot from close range stopped by Kasper Schmeichel, the Danish goalkeeper.
At the hour mark, they were able to break the deadlock thanks to a goal by Leckie. He ran at the right time and slipped the ball between Maehle’s legs before passing Schmeichel. Just 10 minutes later, Denmark appeared to be given a lifeline when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Kasper Dolberg. The call was soon reversed due to an offside flag.
