Denmark 1-1 Australia: 5 Talking Points, World Cup 2018

#2 Eriksen’s lethal strike gives Denmark the edge

Eriksen celebrates his goal

Australia were the architects of their own downfall in this game. The goal conceded by the Aussies was pretty much avoidable. Denmark may have started the game well but Australia will curse their conservatism in the early minutes as they let the Danes pass with freedom.

The build-up to the goal was a prime example of such freedom as the Australians failed to clear their lines. With the ball being played back into the Australian box, Jorgensen was the first to get to it as he chested the ball onto the path of the onrushing Eriksen who finished with a sweet half-volley strike that went right through the keeper Matt Ryan.

The strike was so pure and masterful that it was past Ryan, even before he realized it. Classy finish from Eriksen, who has been touted as one of the stars of this World Cup. Statistics don’t lie and Eriksen’s direct involvement in 18 goals in his last 15 appearances for Denmark is a verification of that.

It was the early lead that kept the Danes in the game as they failed to put any sustained pressure on the Aussie defence through the entirety of the game. And despite their best effort to settle down and control the game, it was the Aussies who grew into the game and the reward for it was a deserved equaliser.