Denmark take on Peru 1-0, Croatia wins Nigeria by 2 Goals

Yussuf Yurary Poulsen of Denmark celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal

It’s all over and Peru have been beaten on their return to the World Cup after 36 years. Denmark take all three points and were quite lucky to do so.

Peru came out looking like it wanted to make up for those 36 years with an aggressive offense. And it looked like it would be rewarded when it drew a penalty late in the first half. The penalty was not immediately called, but signaled after a quick video review.

Christian Cueva stepped up, but hit as bad of a penalty shot as you will see, sending the ball far over the goal.

Denmark broke through in the 60th minute. The team’s star, Christian Eriksen, had something of a quiet game, but delivered the key assist, and Yussuf Poulsen drove it home.

Peru upped the pace once behind and had many chances over the last 30 minutes, but could not capitalize. Kasper Schmeichel, Denmark’s goalkeeper, made several difficult saves to maintain the lead.

With France beating Australia earlier in the day, Denmark joined them on top of the group and left Peru with a lot left to do to have a successful return to the World Cup.

In the other hand Croatia wins Nigeria

It wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing victory, but Croatia earned the full three points by defeating Nigeria 2-0 in Kaliningrad on Saturday. Juvenus forward Mario Mandzukic’s diving header caused an own goal in the first half, and he drew a penalty that Luka Modric converted in the second.