Australia vs Denmark highlights: Mathew Leckie’s goal sent Australia into the round of 16 of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Denmark | Football news

NEW DELHI: Mathew Leckie scored his first goal at World Cup which ended up being the winner of the match like Australia made it to the round of 16 for the first time since 2006 after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Denmark in the final match of Group D at Al Wakrah in Qatar on Wednesday.
After an unsuccessful first half, Leckie gave Australia the lead thanks to a 60th-minute counterattack when he overcame the Danish defense before finishing from close range.
Denmark, who were more energetic and in possession, created many chances in the first half and could have taken the lead but Jesper Lindstrom’s close shot was saved by the Australian keeper. Mat Ryan stay away from an attempt from Mathias Jensen.

Australia are second with six points, level with group leaders France after the world champions lost 0-1 to Tunisia. Denmark is at the bottom of the table with one point while Tunisia is third on four points.
The Australians made it past the knockout stages for the second time, having done so 16 years ago when they lost 0-1 to Italy in the round of 16.
Australia’s defense was fouled by leaving space for Joakim Maehle on the left after 19 minutes as the defender drilled the ball into the box, but Ryan once again saved Australia when he shot the ball out.

Australia started to create opportunities and threaten the Danish defense as striker Duke Mitchell scored from long range, while Riley McGree got a shot saved by Kasper Schmeichel.
They eventually broke the deadlock in stoppage time when Leckie perfectly timed his run and put the ball past Maehle’s feet before beating Schmeichel.
Denmark thought they had been awarded a lifebuoy 10 minutes later when the referee awarded a penalty after a foul. Kasper Dolbergbut it was quickly overturned after the flag was flagged for offside.
(With input from Agencies)