Denmark have started the 2018 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Peru in Saturday's Group C clash in Saransk.
Peru had the better of the first half but Christian Cueva missed a penalty in added-on time after VAR overturned the referee's initial decision.
The only goal of the game came just before the hour mark as Yussuf Poulsen slotted home from 12 yards and although Peru pushed for an equaliser, Kasper Schmeichel and a well-drilled defence kept them out.
Find out how all of the action unfolded at the Mordovia Arena courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Group C fixture between Peru and Denmark. Both teams have put together a 15-game unbeaten streak, but will that be ended this evening?
Before we start with the buildup to this contest, let's see who Ricardo Gareca and Age Hareide have selected in their starting lineups for the game in Saransk.
We are still waiting for that team news, actually! Instead, why not have a read back at the game which took place in Group C earlier today as France just about edged out Australia in Kazan. Click here to take a look at our on-the-whistle report.
PERU XI: Gallese; Advincula, Ramos, Rodriguez, Trauco; Yotun, Tapia, Cueva; Carrillo, Farfan, Flores
DENMARK XI: Schmeichel; Dalsgaard, Kjaer, Christensen, Larsen; Kvist, Delaney, Eriksen; Poulsen, N.Jorgensen, Sisto
Let's start off by taking a look at the Peru starting lineup with the surprise being that it does not feature Paolo Guerrero. The 34-year-old skipper had been expected to take his place in the team after being handed a reprieve after a drugs ban, but the veteran is only named on the bench.
However, fellow veteran Jefferson Farfan takes his spot in the final third, as does Andre Carrillo who represented Watford in the Premier League this season. Edison Flores - who plys his trade in Denmark - will support them.
The midfield looks strong with Yoshimar Yotun being supported by Renato Tapia and Christian Cueva. The trio have 153 caps between them, despite being aged 28, 26 and 22 respectively.
The backline is also full of experience, with Alberto Rodriguez being given the captaincy in place of Guerrero. The 34-year-old will be making his 75th outing for his country in Saransk.
As for Denmark, Nicolai Jorgensen has been given the nod in attack with Kasper Dolberg and Andreas Cornelius being kept in reserve. Yussuf Poulsen and Pione Sisto will work off either flank.
As expected, Hareide has gone for William Kvist and Thomas Delaney in the centre of the pitch with Christian Eriksen being given licence to roam in and out of the final third.
Hareide had a decision to make regarding his centre-backs, and it is Andreas Christensen who has been preferred to Jannik Vestergaard. Brentford full-back Henrik Dalsgaard also features in the back four, with the 28-year-old winning just his 12th cap.
As well as Dolberg and Cornelius, Denmark have Middlesbrough's Martin Braithwaite on the bench, while Viktor Fischer - a former playmaker at Boro - will also be hoping for an opportunity later in this fixture.
If anyone asked you who you thought was ranked at 11th in the world rankings, you would probably get through at least 20 guesses before considering Peru, but the South American nation are a strong showing in Russia away from cracking the top 10.
That standing has come from their performances during qualifying, but Gracea has also witnessed his team avoid defeat since November 2016. Brazil ran out 2-0 victors on that occasion.
Going back to the qualification process, Peru only finished in fifth position, although they were only two points behind third-placed Argentina. A playoff tie against New Zealand was required with a 2-0 aggregate success proving enough to earn another appearance at the World Cup.
You have to go back until 1982 for the last time that Peru played on the biggest stage. However, they failed to win a game, as they did at the 1978 edition. Will they finally achieve another positive memory in the coming weeks?
Gracea is blessed with both youth and experience in his squad. Only three outfield players are aged 33 or above but two of them - Guerrero and Farfan - have 59 goals between them. It looks like Farfan may have to try to take that past 60 on his own...
At the other end of the pitch, Peru have conceded just once in seven matches, with that goal coming against Iceland in a friendly.
Let's now turn our attention to Denmark who also possess an excellent defensive record. It has been 444 minutes since the Scandinavian team last conceded a goal! That means that four clean sheets have been recorded in a row.
Denmark also put together a strong showing at the back during qualifying. They may have finished in second place to Poland but just eight goals were shipped in 10 matches. A ninth came against Republic of Ireland in their playoff tie but it acted as the catalyst for a five-goal response in Dublin.
However, it is a different story at a World Cup. Just one shutout has been registered in 11 attempts, with that coming against France in 2002.
Denmark have failed to qualify for two of the last three World Cups, with their last appearance being their unsuccessful trip to South Africa in 2010. Victory over Cameroon had put them in contention but a final-game defeat to Japan sent the squad back to Europe at the first opportunity.
While Denmark are proud of their defensive record, they also have quality in attack, especially in the form of Eriksen. The playmaker has contributed 22 goals for his country and will expect to improve on that at a time when the likes of Barcelona are being linked with his signature.
Eriksen is one of eight representatives from English football, with just two coming from Denmark. Copenhagen pair Willian Kvist and Viktor Fischer have also had spells in England so there is a familiar look to this squad.
PREDICTION! Peru take nothing but confidence into this tournament but we have to back Denmark to turn on the style in this game. At some stage, Eriksen should be able to pick the lock in the Peru defence and it could lead to a strong showing from the European side. Denmark to win 3-1.
HEAD TO HEAD! You will not be surprised to hear that these two teams are meeting for the first time!
To prepare for the game, both teams have opted to face sides from the other's continent. Denmark have come through unscathed against Chile and Mexico, while Peru have defeated each of Croatia, Iceland and Scotland, while also drawing with Sweden.
It's time for the two teams to start making their way out in Saransk. As with most of the games in this tournament, the sun is out but we are only at the 18C mark when it comes to the temperature.
A reminder of the two starting lineups...
PERU XI: Gallese; Advincula, Ramos, Rodriguez, Trauco; Yotun, Tapia, Cueva; Carrillo, Farfan, Flores
DENMARK XI: Schmeichel; Dalsgaard, Kjaer, Christensen, Larsen; Kvist, Delaney, Eriksen; Poulsen, N.Jorgensen, Sisto
KICKOFF! Denmark get us underway!
It has been a fast-paced start from both teams with Peru wasting no time in getting the ball out to the flanks for their wide men. Carrillo has just had one cross well dealt with by the Denmark defence.
Denmark have hit back at Peru with a neat move down the right almost leading to a chance for Delaney, but the ball into the box was too high for the new Borussia Dortmund signing.
It must be said that this game is being played in one of the best atmospheres of the tournament. Both sets of fans are making the most of an appearance at this event. It is warming into a good contest, too.
SHOT! Yotun gets the first shot away from around 30 yards out but the midfielder's strike is straight at Schmeichel.
It will be interesting to see how Peru's legs hold up in this match. They are pressing the Denmark midfield and so far, it is a tactic which is proving to be successful.
SHOT! Peru are certainly not shy when it comes to shooting from distance. It was Flores this time, but the winger's effort went over the crossbar.
SAVE! It's all Peru. Their best opportunity of these early stages comes through Carrillo, who cut inside onto his left foot before directing a shot towards the far corner. However, Schmeichel was equal to it and punched the ball away.
Denmark are doing their best to have an impact on this match but their forward play is too slow and precise. It's as if they expect Eriksen to create something out of nothing.
Sisto and Delaney get on the ball in the final third but the European side are playing at a walking pace. I don't think that is going to work against a team like Peru.
Better from Denmark as Sisto shows a lot more urgency down the left flank. However, his feet almost move quickly and after losing control of the ball, Peru are able to clear.
Peru are still having their moments but Denmark are starting to make this more of an even contest. When Denmark up the pace, they are causing their opponents problems.
What Denmark are doing well is making the pitch as big as possible. Earlier, the four defenders were too close together and it was enabling Peru's pacey wingers more space than they should be allowed.
Peru conceded 10 goals from set plays during the qualification process but it is so far so good on that front today. Denmark possess a considerable height advantage but they are yet to use it to their benefit.
This game remains competitive in every area of the pitch but it has resulted in chances being few and far between.
CHANCE! Just like that, Peru come alive in the final third as Carrillo threads a ball through to Farfan and although the forward gets a shot away, a defender deflects his effort away for a corner.
Since I suggested that Denmark had found a way to nullify the threat being offered by Peru, more space has started to open up for the South Americans! Peru have probably edged the first half-hour.
Denmark may be forced into an early change here. Kvist has taken a blow to the ribs from Farfan and the experienced midfielder is struggling to recover from it.
SUBSTITUTION! Kvist is being stretchered away and it leads to Schone being introduced in his place.
That change has resulted in a bit of a lull in the action. Peru are trying to take advantage of the switch by keeping hold of the ball.
BOOKING! Sisto gets away from Tapia and it results in the Peru midfielder cynically fouling the winger just outside of the penalty area. Eriksen will take it...
SHOT! Eriksen's effort is blocked but the ball falls to Schone around 30 yards out, with the Ajax midfielder's half-volley being saved by Gallese.
The tide has turned and Denmark are really starting to put Peru under pressure. On this occasion, Delaney's volley - which turned into a cross - just missed the outstretched leg of Poulsen at the back post.
To Peru's credit, whenever they have come under pressure, they have responded positively and they may have a penalty here. It is being checked by VAR...
PENALTY TO PERU! Cueva appeared to have his foot taken by Poulsen and it probably should be a penalty. Cueva to take...
MISSED! Blimey. This is one of the worst penalties that you will ever see. Cueva blazes his effort well over the crossbar.
HALF TIME: Peru 0-0 Denmark
The half-time whistle goes in Saransk and we remain goalless after that penalty miss! It's been a watchable game without too many clear-cut chances. Peru will be happy with their general play, but Denmark will be relieved to still be on level terms.
Most of Peru's good work came in and around the penalty area with Yotun, Flores and Carrillo all getting shots away during the opening stages of the game but aside from that, the South Americans struggled to create opportunities in open play.
Denmark slowly grew into the contest but they found it difficult to create may chances. Delaney fired one shot well off target, while substitute Schone watched on as his half-volley was comfortably dealt with by Gallese.
The controversial moment of the first half came just before the break as Cueva was tripped by Poulsen. The referee initially waved away the appeals from Peru but a VAR review lead to the decision being overturned. It was probably the correct decision but it mattered little as Cueva sent his spot kick about three yards over the crossbar.
KICKOFF! Peru get us back underway.
Both teams are showing plenty of urgency at the start of this second half. Denmark almost create a chance through Sisto but Jorgensen miscues a volley in an offside position.
Peru have struggled to get Farfan into this game but the attacker always looks dangerous when given the chance to stretch his legs behind the defence. However, Christensen is equal to his run and gets a block in.
Denmark win a free kick on the right-hand side of the penalty area and you will got receive a prize for guessing that Eriksen is standing over it. Chance here for the European side.
The set piece comes to nothing, with Eriksen hitting the cross into the wall before miscuing a shot off target. It's not been his day so far.
It was Peru who started the first half the stronger of the two sides but Denmark are controlling the pace after the restart. They are looking much more proactive on the ball.
Cueva has already made a mess of a penalty and he has done the same with another chance in the box. The playmaker cut inside two players but failed to get a shot away and ended up hitting a misplaced pass towards a teammate.
GOAL! Peru 0-1 Denmark (Yussuf Poulsen)
Denmark take the lead! Peru give the ball away on the halfway line and Eriksen surges forward. The midfielder bides his time before playing in Poulsen, who takes his time before slotting into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.
© Reuters
CHANCE! Nearly an instant equaliser from Peru! The ball is worked out to Flores on the left-hand side of the penalty area but Schmeichel reacts well to save to his left.
SUBSTITUTION! Peru make their first change and it is the main man Guerrero who is coming on. Flores has made way.
CHANCE! Almost the perfect introduction! A cross from the right finds Peru's record goalscorer but his header from 10 yards is too close to Schmeichel.
This match has really opened up. Peru are not prepared to bide their time before looking for an equaliser. I'd be surprised if we do not have further goals in this match. Denmark are not sitting back on their lead.
SUBSTITUTION! A second switch for Denmark sees Braithwaite come on for Sisto.
CHANCE! How have Peru not scored?! A free kick to the back post is headed back across goal but Farfan cannot get the decisive touch from two yards out.
Again, how has this been kept out?! A cross from the byline goes over Schmeichel and should be converted at the back post but Dalsgaard clears the ball from under his own crossbar.
SHOT! This is all Peru now. Advincula - who has not scored for his country in 67 appearances - gets into a shooting position but on his weaker foot, the full-back fires straight at Schmeichel.
Into the last 15 minutes we go and Peru are pushing frantically for this equaliser. They deserve to be back on level terms but Denmark are proving to be a tough nut to crack. Remember, they came into this game having not conceded in 444 minutes.
Denmark have failed to make any impact whatsoever in the final third over the past 10 minutes and are starting to sit deeper and deeper. Hareide must use his final change wisely because they may be starting to tire.
CHANCE! Guerrero nearly scores with a 10-yard back-heel! The forward had nothing else on and proceeded to send an improvised attempt just inches wide of the far post.
SUBSTITUTION! A third substitution for Denmark sees Christensen taken off - he must be injured. Huddersfield Town centre-back Mathias Jorgensen is being introduced.
CHANCE! Seriously - how are Peru not level! Carrillo breezes past Larsen down the right flank and tees up Farfan who is waiting by the penalty spot. However, the shot goes too close to Schmeichel who is able to stick out a leg.
SUBSTITUTION! That proves to be Farfan's final contribution as Ruidiaz comes on to replace him.
CHANCE! Denmark should score a second and it should be game over. Eriksen gets free inside the penalty area but he shoots straight at Gallese from around 14 yards out.
SUBSTITUTION! Peru make a third and final switch with Aquino replacing Tapia.
Just a minute to go of normal time. Peru still have another opportunity in them but they need to be clinical. They have been everything but that.
There will be five minutes of added-on time.
BOOKING! Poulsen goes into the book for a professional foul in the middle of the pitch. Just the two minutes to go. Peru have a corner.
FULL TIME: Peru 0-1 Denmark
The full-time whistle goes in Saransk and Denmark have held on for the three points! There is no doubting that Peru deserved something from this game but Poulsen's second-half strike has proven to be the difference. Denmark join France at the top of Group C!
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us and we hope that you can stick around for the final game of Saturday's action, which is Croatia against Nigeria.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
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