Should one laugh or should one cry? That indeed seems to have been the question in the Danish camp after they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Australia in their second Group C match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, leaving them with four points from two matches played.

‘Settle’ may perhaps be the wrong term to use, as Australia could feel the same way after Thursday’s stalemate in Samara. Indeed, the statistics might have justified an Australian win since the Socceroos had more possession, more corners and more shots on target.

Despite not taking all three points, Denmark are in a solid position to claim a place in the knockout stages following France’s narrow win over Peru on Thursday. The Danes have only conceded one goal in six matches and are unbeaten in 17 games.

Double blow If the Danes were somewhat dissatisfied heading back to their base camp in Anapa on Thursday evening, it is understandable. After taking an early lead through Christian Eriksen’s stunning half-volley, the Danes looked in such control during the opening 30 minutes, that it only seemed a matter of time that they would increase their advantage against the Australians. However, a handball decision on Yussuf Poulsen in the Danish box awarded the Socceroos the chance to level matters from the penalty spot, with Poulsen set to miss Denmark’s final Group C match against France through suspension after he picked up a second yellow card in as many matches.

“We should be able to beat a team like Australia,” said Denmark coach Age Hareide. “We had a great beginning to the game, but after their equalizer, we got too impatient and began losing the ball too easily. And it took a lot of strain out of us to win it back again. We often lost the ball in the final third of the pitch and Australia threatened us occasionally on the counter. We still haven't shown what we are capable of, but I still think that we will progress to the next stage.”

Schone: We should have won Lasse Schone, who deputized admirably for the injured William Kvist in midfield, felt his side deserved more from Thursday’s contest. “I am disappointed now because player-by-player, we have a better squad than Australia,” he said. “I am disappointed with our performance, but perhaps in a few days, I might be happy with the fact that we have four points. But our potential is still unfulfilled and we didn't play those 90 minutes, as we would like to.”