Coming into the game on the back of three points against Peru, Denmark took an early lead through a sweet Christian Eriksen strike, but Australia did not let the setback get the better of them and responded well.

Just as against France, Bert van Marwijk's team benefitted from a handball in the box, with Yussuf Poulsen the guilty culprit, and Mile Jedinak duly converted the VAR assisted spot-kick. From then on, the Socceroos were on top but unable to take advantage as the tie ended 1-1.

Bert van Marwijk's men travelled to Samara needing a win after their unfortunate 2-1 defeat to France in their opener.

Australia battled back impressively after Christian Eriksen's seventh-minute opener but were unable to find a way past Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel from open play despite dominating a pulsating second half.

Tottenham midfielder Eriksen, identified as the dangerman by Australia in the run-up to the game, showed sublime technique to finish after Nicolai Jorgensen's neat lay-off in the area.

Australia's response was impressive but with just one point from two games the Socceroos' chances of advancing in Russia now appear slim.

Australia captain Mile Jedinak hit a second-half VAR-assisted penalty to earn the Socceroos' first point in Russia after Christian Eriksen's opener, giving Australia a glimmer of hope of reaching the Round of 16.

Van Marwijk praised a team that has "improved every day" but bemoaned a lack of clinical finishing after his team missed chances to win the game in the second half in Samara.

It followed a 2-1 defeat to France in their opening match.

Diego Costa’s fortuitous goal nine minutes into the second half was all that separated the sides at Kazan Arena and the loss leaves Ansarfiard and his teammates needing to win their final game against Portugal to secure a place in the Round of 16.

Iran have never progressed beyond the group stages in any of their previous four appearances at the FIFA World Cup, with the Carlos Queiroz-coached team also falling short in Brazil four years ago.

But, with Iran only one point behind the Portuguese in Group B after two rounds of matches, the versatile Olympiacos star is confident Team Melli can find a way past Cristiano Ronaldo and company in Kaliningrad next week.

An opening defeat to Sweden has left Shin Tae-yong's side playing catch-up in Group F, particularly after Mexico pulled off the shock of the first round by beating Germany 1-0. 

Now the Koreans face Mexico, and another loss would probably end their chances of making the Knockout Stage for the third time since they co-hosted the tournament in 2002.

Team Melli currently sit third in the Group B standings, just one point below Portugal and Spain who are on four points, setting up a decisive final group stage match up with the Portuguese on June 25 at the Mordovia Arena.

“We showed that we were ready to suffer and ready to compete,” Queiroz said.

“I felt we deserved a better result. There’s no doubt Spain play wonderful, stylish football but I thought we deserved more for the way we played.”

The 2-1 win marked a bright start for the Samurai Blue in Russia, sporting a completely different style compared to the team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

In his first competitive game in charge, coach Akira Nishino was unsurprisingly buoyed by the way they have kicked off the tournament. 

“We finished the first match with the best possible result, which I think now hands us a good advantage."