Mathew Leckie put Australia ahead with a low, driven finish after weaving in and out to create a shooting angle.
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On Wednesday, November 30, Australia defeated Denmark 1-0 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Australia came into this game coming off a 4-1 loss to France and a 1-0 win over Tunisia in their previous match. They only needed one point to qualify if Tunisia lost their game against France. Denmark, on the other hand, drew a goalless draw with Tunisia and lost 2-1 to France. They needed a win in this game to improve their chances of making the knockout rounds.
Denmark got off to a fast start and dominated for the majority of the first period. They had 66% ball possession and created their fair share of chances. The Danes attempted five shots but only two were successful. Australia, on the other hand, performed better. They fired four shots and hit the target three times. Denmark and Australia both played aggressively in the first half, committing a total of 12 fouls between them. However, neither team was able to create an opening as they looked to improve in the second period. The teams went into the halftime break tied at 0-0.
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Both Australia and Denmark made one change each at halftime, hoping to turn things around after kickoff. Denmark started strong and looked to dominate possession, but by the hour mark, they were trailing. Mathew Leckie put Australia ahead with a low, driven finish after weaving in and out to create a shooting angle. As they desperately sought a way back into the game, Denmark looked to push forward and commit several men to attack. They were unsuccessful in their efforts, as Australia held on to secure a massive victory, advancing them to the round of 16.
Denmark has always had at least one or two options for a centre forward or striker over the last few years. Players such as Nicklas Bendtner, Yussuf Poulsen, and Kasper Dolberg have all been given responsibility and performed admirably. However, with the former two out of the national team and Dolberg struggling with form, Denmark appears to be severely lacking in a crucial area. This has an impact on their ability to convert confident passing and movement into well-worked goals, as evidenced by their goal drought in this World Cup.
Leckie had the game’s only big scoring chance, and he took it with both hands, putting Australia up 1-0 after 60 minutes. Despite being his 14th international goal, it was his first for his country at the World Cup. Riley McGree assisted on the goal by putting Leckie through. The latter weaved in and out of defenders before firing into the bottom-left corner.
This Australia team lacks the star power that provided in the past. They make up for an obvious lack of talent with incredible team spirit, sticking together in difficult times to grind out results. Despite having the better team on paper, Australia showed great fighting spirit to win 1-0.
