Australia's Dane-gerous Draw

Australia played out a spirited but ultimately disappointing 1-1 draw against Denmark on Thursday in Russia. There were a lot of positives to take away, but they couldn't get the three points despite a dominant second-half display.

Nevertheless, the Socceroos are still alive in the World Cup and will need a win against Peru to progress to the knockout stages. They'll need France (who have already qualified) to beat Denmark, but qualifying is still in play for Australia.

Australia started the game off the pace, and it cost them when Christian Eriksen strolled through the penalty area to whip it home and make it 1-0 after a smart build up.

The Socceroos worked their way into the game though and were rewarded when they were given a penalty through the intervention of VAR for a handball in the box.

Mile Jedinak coolly slotted the penalty to make it 1-1 and breathed life and a confidence into the Australian side.

They took control of the game, and the momentum had switched in favour of the underdog Australians.

The second half was a wave of Australian attacks, as the Danish struggled to keep them at bay. They gave a brilliant account of themselves and though they might come to regret their sluggish start, they were brilliant going forward in search of a winner.

Trent Sainsbury anchored the defence superbly, Aaron Mooy controlled midfield and Matthew Leckie had what might be his breakout game in a Socceroos shirt, providing a constant threat from wide.

Tom Rogic grew into the game in the second half and Daniel Arzani was a spark off the bench and almost had the winner but was denied superbly by Kasper Schmeichel who made himself big to parry Arzani's goalbound shot.

Tomi Juric replaced Andrew Nabbout whose tournament is likely over after dislocating his shoulder, but it was to no avail as Australia could not find a winner.

Denmark offered little in the second half, but a point was valuable to them in progressing to the next round. Australia were resilient and sometimes brilliant, but they'll need plenty of luck still to play out in their favour to make the next round.

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