Mon | Dec 4, 2023

#FootballFever | Australia into last 16 of World Cup, beat Denmark 1-0

Published:Wednesday | November 30, 2022 | 12:18 PM
Australia's Mathew Leckie (right) challenges for the ball with Denmark's Alexander Bah during the World Cup group D football match between Australia and Denmark, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, Wednesday, November 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

AL WAKRAH, Qatar (AP) — Australia advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup, beating favoured Denmark 1-0 Wednesday on Mathew Leckie's 60th-minute goal.

It is Australia's first time in the knockout stage since 2006, the only other time they advanced out of the group stage.

Leckie took a pass just around the centre circle and moved in and around a Danish defender, eventually lacing a left-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel diving to his left.

Australia finished with six points in Group D.

The World Cup proved to be a major disappointment for Denmark after reaching the semifinals in the 2020 European Championship.

They slogged through a 0-0 draw in their opening match with Tunisia and then recovered in a 2-1 loss against France.

The Danes attacked from the start against Australia but could never break through with the Socceroos.

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