Denmark 1 – Peru 0

The crucial match in the race for Group C between Denmark and Peru was a balanced affair. While Denmark found the winning goal they needed at Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Peruvian supporters will be aghast at the glut of wasted opportunities.

In a match between two organized sides, Peru displayed their quality early, sustaining long spells of possession for the first 15 minutes. Denmark did well absorbing the pressure and limiting Peru to shots from well outside the 18-yard-box.

Denmark would grow into the match, holding the lion’s share of possession for the remainder of the half. The 39^th minute provided a tailor-made opportunity for Tottenham Hotspur star Christen Eriksen, when Denmark earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard-box. Denmark’s main man rocketed his shot into the wall and a second effort was easily saved by Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (Veracruz).

The defining moment of the match came just before the half. Peru attacking midfielder Christian Cueva (Sao Paolo FC) was chopped down in the penalty area and, after a video review, was awarded a penalty kick. Cueva took the penalty kick himself and promptly sent the ball well over the bar.

Though Peru did well to stymie Eriksen’s influence, he found his opportunity to change the match in the second half. In the 59^th minute, Eriksen was left with acreage to run at the defense on a counter attack, before laying off the ball to winger Yussuf Poulsen (RB Leipzig), who slotted home the winning goal.

Peru nearly leveled the score moments later, but Denmark’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel came up with a critical stop. Even the introduction of forward and national hero Paolo Guerrero to the match was not enough to save Peru. Guerrero nearly made history with a 79th minute back heeled shot, which narrowly missed.

Peru would continue to attack, finding opportunities without finding an equalizer. Six of Peru’s 18 shots were on target, resulting in zero goals.

Denmark (1-0-0, 3 points) next face Australia (0-1-0, 0 points, June 21, Samara) while Peru (0-1-0, 0 points) face France (1-0-0, 3 points, June 21, Ekaterinburg) in their next Group C fixtures.

Peru-Perdo Gallese, Alberto Rodgriguez, Miguel Trauco, Christian Cueva, Jefferson Farfan (Raul Ruidiaz 85’), Renato Tapia, Christian Ramos, Luis Advincula, Andre Carrillo, Yoshimar Yotun, and Edison Flores (Paolo Guerrero 62’)

Yellow Card-Tapia (38’)

Denmark-Kasper Schmeichel, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen (Mathias Jorgensen 81’), William Kvist (Lasse Schone 35’), Thomas Delaney, Nicolai Jorgensen, Christian Eriksen, Henrik Dalsgaard, Jens Stryger Larsen, Yussuf Yurary Poulsen, and Pione Sisto (Martin Braithwaite 67’)

Goal-Poulsen (59’)

Yellow Cards-Delaney (86’) and Poulsen (90’+3’)