Mathew Leckie scored the only goal of the game to help Australia produce one of the narrow World Cup scores of the weekend action. Australia was aware that, provided Tunisia did not defeat France, they would join Group D champions France in the knockout rounds, whereas Denmark needed to win to have any hope of moving on. Denmark controlled the first period, but due to their inability to score, Australia was on track to advance until Wahbi Khazri of Tunisia gave the world champions the lead. Until Leckie weaved into the Danes’ area and scored past Kasper Schmeichel (60), that goal had temporarily taken Tunisia into second place in Group D. However, a tenacious defensive effort made sure it was not given up.
Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan of Australia deftly deflected a shot from Mathias Jensen and unusually deflected a threatening cross from roving left-back Joakim Maehle, while Christian Eriksen pulled his attempt wide. Riley McGree of Middlesbrough tested Schmeichel during a rare venture forward, showing they may pose issues on the counterattack, although Australia remained compact. The second period’s play continued in this manner until a goal in the other Group D game put both teams in jeopardy.
Just as Leckie pounced on McGree’s through ball to sprint free and finish expertly, word of Tunisia forward Khazri’s goal against France appeared to have made its way to the Al Janoub Stadium. To avoid departing Qatar early, Denmark needed to score at least two goals, but given their lack of innovation, even an equalizer seemed unlikely. 19 minutes before the end, when Kasper Dolberg, a replacement, fell in the box, Australia experienced a serious scare when the penalty call was quickly reversed. Inspiringly led by Scotland-born center-back Harry Souttar, the Socceroos battled valiantly through six minutes of extra time to defeat the Euro 2020 semifinalist team and advance.
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