Australia, which reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time since 2006, has taken a huge step towards advancement after defeating Denmark with a surprise 1-0 win.
There was no scoring in the first half of the game, but when Denmark seemed to be going forward in the 60th minute, Australia scored on the counterattack when Leckie snuck past the defense and scored.
France, Australia, and Tunisia finished the first round of play with six points apiece, level with second place. Denmark finished bottom on one point and is tied with Tunisia on four points.
Graham Arnold’s (the head coach of the Socceroos) side will play their final match against the winners of Group C, the Poland National Football Team. Later on Wednesday, they will play Argentina in their final group match.
The Australian national soccer team has qualified for the knockout rounds of the World Cup only twice in history, and both times it was thanks to goals from talisman Tim Cahill. They made it out of their group stage match against Panama with a 3-2 victory, then narrowly lost 1-0 to Italy, which Senegal eliminated.
Australia’s defense was guilty of giving space to Joakim Maehle in the 19th minute, but once again, Ryan came to Australia’s rescue, kicking the football away.
Australia had the momentum, as forward Duke Mitchell broke through to set up Riley McGree with a great chance, while Kasper Schmeichel saved his shot.
Flashback to Denmark’s moment of truth in the opening minutes. After a scoring opportunity, they thought they had been given a lifeline. However, it was quickly undone once the referee raised his flag for offside.
