Austria have reached the World Cup knockout stages for just the second time in their history after Mathew Leckie’s incredible solo goal gave them the edge over a dismal Denmark.
Riley McGree’s breakaway pass found its way to Leckie who weaved in and out of the last Danish defender to drill the ball into the bottom corner of Kasper Schmeichel’s net.
Just minutes earlier, Tunisia took a shock lead against France meaning that as things stood a draw would not be enough and Australia would need to beat the Danes to progress to the last sixteen.
Did that prompt the Australians into breaking the deadlock?
Whether the Australian players knew this or not is unclear but Leckie’s timely goal does seem rather coincidental if not.
Barring Leckie’s Messi like run, the match was a cagey affair with Denmark dominating most of the ball.
At times it seemed neither side looked likely to score and it was a game the struggling Denmark just simply had to win.
Denmark thought they might get a lifeline back into he game after the referee pointed to the spot following an elbow on Kasper Dolberg much to the protests of those in green and yellow.
That was quickly taken away however as a VAR check deemed the Dane in an offside position.
Despite having 69% possession of the ball, Denmark just couldn’t breakdown a resolute Ozzie defence lead by Stoke centre-back Harry Souttar.
The 24-year-old has raised quite a few eyebrows following his debut World Cup campaign, he was an absolute rock for Australia today.
Denmark did make it easy for their opponents however only managing to muster just three shots on target the entire match.
The best opportunity of the match came deep in extra time as substitute Andreas Cornelius was gifted a free header from a corner but the ball flew way over the bar to ensure an early exit for the Danes.
its jubilation for Australia but dismay for their opponents and potential dark horses of the tournament, Denmark after one of their worst ever Group stage finishes.
While Australia had only qualified for round of 16 once in their history during their golden generations run in 2006, Denmark have only failed to reach the last 16 once in their world cup history.
