Mile Jedinak’s controversial penalty earns Australia draw against Denmark

Captain Mile Jedinak rode to Australia’s World Cup rescue with a penalty to cancel out Christian Eriksen’s superb opener for Denmark, securing a 1-1 draw yesterday that ensured Group C would go down to the wire.

Eriksen’s seventh-minute opener was fully deserved by the fast-starting Danes and the quality of his half-volley finish was excellent in a tournament that has produced some wonderful goals.

Jedinak, however, got Australia back into the game with his second penalty in Russia, awarded following the intervention of the VAR, and the draw kept the Socceroos just about alive in the tournament.

Denmark moved on to four points and need at least a draw against France in their final game to guarantee a last-16 spot.

Australia’s destiny, however, is no longer in their own hands. With one point, they must win their last match against Peru to stand any chance of going through, but results could still conspire to send them home.