Denmark, Australia grind out a 1-1 draw in Group C tie (Lead)

Samara (Russia) June 21 (IANS) Australia held Denmark 1-1 in a Group C game here on Thursday to keep alive their chances of making it to the pre-quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup.
Australia who had lost 1-2 to France in their opening match got their goal from a penalty conversion by captain Mile Jedinak in the 38th minute after Denmark had taken a 1-0 lead through Christian Eriksen in the seventh minute.
Earlier in the match Denmark star player Christian Eriksen linked up well with Nicolai Jorgensen to smash a half-volley past Mat Ryan in the 7th minute opening up what looked to be a match almost certainly dominated by the Danes reports Efe.
But the Aussies struck back earning a penalty when Yussuf Poulsen blocked a cross with his hand taking a yellow card in the process.
Mathew Leckie dutifully stepped up to the spot and slotted it to the right-hand-side of the net sending Kasper Schmeichel the wrong way.
Australia was quick out the blocks after half-time but failed to cash in on the promise its attacking display showed.
The game ground to a draw meaning Denmark head into its final group game with four points while Australia have just one.

--IANS kk/vm