Saturday 16 June 2018, 10:08

Denmark do just enough to edge out Peru

  • Peruvians dominate but Danes take the points

  • Urged on by their army of fans, the South Americans failed to take their chances

  • RELIVE: As it happened, stats, more | Post-match press conferences

Team reporter analysis Gilda Arrua with Peru [Follow on Twitter | Facebook] Brimming with confidence, Peru put in a performance that banished memories of their long absence from the world finals. The South Americans created numerous opportunities and missed a golden chance from the spot. Finding themselves a goal behind at the start of the second half, they turned to the talismanic Paolo Guerrero, but not even he could prevent them from falling to a defeat that did not reflect their efforts on the pitch.

Sven Frandsen with Denmark [Follow on Twitter | Facebook] Denmark came under a lot of pressure at the start of the match, not least on the right flank, and tried unsuccessfully to bring Eriksen into the game with a series of long balls. Though William Kvist was forced off with injury, they found the goal they were looking for and worked hard to defend it, earning three precious points in the process.

Budweiser Man of the Match Yussuf Poulsen had a match to remember. As well as being in the right place at the right time to collect Eriksen’s pass and score the only goal of the game, he also defended tirelessly and was Denmark’s hero of the hour.

The stat 7 - Hoping to celebrate their World Cup return in style, the Peruvians found luck was not on their side, as their winless run in the competition stretched to seven games.

What’s next Australia v Denmark | Group C | 21 June, Samara (Samara Arena) France v Peru | Group C | 21 June, Ekaterinburg (Ekaterinburg Arena)

Have your say Peru fans| Denmark fans

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