First stage, Group C, Mordovia Arena Saransk, 16 Jun 2018. Denmark edged out Peru thanks to Yussuf Poulsen’s second-half goal to join France on three points in Group C of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Peru fans were out in force in Saransk, making their players feel right at home. Suitably inspired, they dominated the first half but could not make the most of the opportunities they created. Perhaps the pressure of Peru’s 36-year absence from the world finals weighed heavy on their shoulders, with Christian Cueva missing a penalty just before the break. Playing a more patient game, the Danes were unable to generate any clear-cut chances as the first half ended goalless. Adopting a more adventurous approach after the restart, Denmark were rewarded when Christian Eriksen’s precise through-ball allowed Poulsen to open the scoring. Though the South Americans piled the pressure on in search of an equaliser, the Danes held firm, with keeper Kasper Schmeichel pulling off some fine stops.
