Denmark faced Australia in the World Cup group stage in Qatar in a must-win match, with Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen determined to give his team every chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Mathias Jensen provided a platform for the Danes in midfield, allowing the United playmaker a free role to squeeze into spaces where his pass could threaten the Australians.
The Socceroos were forced to defend for much of the first half, and Eriksen’s safety in possession was a key contribution to Denmark’s possession of the ball.
But the discipline of the Australians made it difficult for the Danes to access their penalty area, who left both teams goalless at half-time.
Eriksen maintained the same level of composure in the second half, but perhaps could have been more direct at key moments.
Despite all their possession, Denmark fell behind after the hour mark, with Matthew Leckie moving past Joakim Maehle before moving past Kaspar Schmeichel.
Eriksen was moved more deeply after the introduction of Mikel Damsgaard as the Danes looked to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
His passing remained just as reliable, but was no more penetrating as Australia switched to five back to end the game.
In the end, the only two chances he created were both for Joachim Andersen via corners, each of which went over the crossbar.
Eriksen finished the game with 88 touches, 10 accurate long balls and 93% passing accuracy. (Couch Score)
But it wasn’t a performance the United star was overly happy with, failing to provide the creative spark Denmark desperately needed.
And it wasn’t enough to prevent Australia from booking their place in the World Cup round of 16 at the expense of Denmark.
