Going into the final fixtures of Group C on Tuesday, Australia needed to win against Peru and hope that already qualified France defeat Denmark for a possible chance of progressing into the knockout stages. Denmark on the other hand needed a draw to progress or a win to top the group.
In Sochi between Peru and Australia, goals from Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero ensured that the already eliminated Peru who returned to the World Cup finals after 36 years leave Russia on a high. The win leaves Australia bottom of Group C with a single point in three games.
Denmark then avoided a defeat to France playing out the first goalless draw of the 2018 World Cup against a much changed French line-up who emerged eventual Group winners.
Today, we witnessed our first 0-0 of the tournament ☹️
Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened ?#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/bAQszQVOzn
— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2018
The Danes started the better side with a penalty appeal early on in the game but the referee refused to entertain their plea. France then took control of the game as Schmeichel was called into action following a Giroud strike in the 14th minute.
14' – SAVE! Giroud with a strike and Schmeichel saves as Hernandez looks to have been fouled in the build up to that chance for France. #YourSportsMemo #Sterlingbank #WorldCup
— ACLSports (@acl_sports) June 26, 2018
France however had a couple of chances to put the game to bed in the second half but the Danish defence stood firm to earn a crucial point as they progressed to the next round
