FIFA World Cup 2018: Poulsen’s strike breaks Peru’s heart
Jun 17, 2018 at 6:40 AM
Yussuf Poulsen bounced back from conceding a first-half penalty to score the decisive goal in Denmark’s 1-0 victory over Peru.
Peru midfielder skied his spot-kick and left the field in tears at the end.
The RB Leipzig forward was deemed to have tripped Christian Cueva in the box when referee Bakary Gassama consulted VAR. Denmark settled into the game after the interval. Christian Eriksen provided Poulsen with a chance to turn his evening around in the 59th minute. And, the 24-year-old made no mistake.
Paolo Guerrero came on from the bench following a successful appeal to suspend his 14-month drug ban. But he could not turn the game in his side’s favour. Kasper Schmeichel denied Jefferson Farfan brilliantly with six minutes to go .
Denmark began to dominate possession but it was not until the 27th minute that they attempted a shot on goal. Midfielder William Kvist was taken off on a stretcher after a sustaining a blow to the ribs.
Denmark looked more assured after the restart and pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. It arrived just before the hour mark when Eriksen ran through the middle and fed Poulsen.
Peru piled forward and Flores drew a fine, one-handed save from Schmeichel. The veteran forward quickly tested Schmeichel, heading directly at the keeper from close range.
Schmeichel then made a brilliant stop with his feet from a late Farfan thunderbolt as Denmark clung on for a hard-fought victory. France await Peru next, while Denmark will go into their game against Australia in confident mood after collecting three points.
That was a wonderful game of football. Peru roared out of the traps and threatened to overwhelm Denmark. They took 15 or 20 minutes to settle into the game. Despite of the loss, Peru’s fans in Russia and at home should be very, very proud.
FT: Peru 0-1 Denmark
Poulsen 59′