AUSTRALIA DEFEATS DENMARK 1-0 TO CLINCH A WORLD CUP ROUND-OF-16 SPOT.

In a crucial World Cup match, Denmark kept poking Australia while producing a complex wave of midfield passing and playing the customary long balls over the top as well. But the outcome never materialized.

At the hour mark, Mathew Leckie received a pass from Riley McGree and twice fooled Joakim Maehle before scoring through his legs and past Kasper Schmeichel’s outstretched hand. The Australians made them pay for their carelessness. Despite Tunisia’s unexpected victory over France, the Socceroos’ second victory of the tournament advanced them to the knockout round.

In the first 45 minutes of play, the Danes commanded 58 percent ball possession and had six attempts, but their forwards lacked influence anytime a chance to score presented itself. With 11 minutes gone, Mat Ryan theatrically pushed out Mathias Jensen’s shot from within the box, which was one of their two shots that were on target. Jensen had caught one of those high balls. Kye Rowles made a quick interception from six yards away to deny Jesper Lindstorm from shooting a minute earlier.

Denmark’s play in the final third lacked the incisiveness to punish the valiant Australian defense, despite Martin Braithwaite being its third leading man in as many games. In the 29th minute, Christian Eriksen also gave it a shot, but his punch was off-target as well.

In the 32nd minute, Jackson Irvine’s flicked long-range header presented Australia with a partial opportunity, but it went straight to Schmeichel.

Australia recommenced with a little more vigor, but Irvine’s initial attempt following a pass from McGree flew straight into the stands.

And then came the magic from Leckie but Denmark still had enough chances. Denmark thought it had a penalty when Harry Souttar pushed Kasper Dolberg to the ground in the 71st minute. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but the linesman had correctly spotted Dolberg in an offside position. Two minutes later, substitute Andreas Cornelius headed out despite any little challenge from the Aussie defence.

The goal and the game were not meant for the Danes as the Aussies celebrated a rare foray into the knockout rounds of the World Cup – the first since 2006.