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World Cup: Christian Eriksen hits volley screamer for Denmark

By Alex Butler
Joshua Rsidon (L) of Australia and Christian Eriksen of Denmark in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group C preliminary round soccer match between Denmark and Australia on Thursday in Samara, Russia. Photo by Wallace Woon/EPA-EFE
Joshua Rsidon (L) of Australia and Christian Eriksen of Denmark in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group C preliminary round soccer match between Denmark and Australia on Thursday in Samara, Russia. Photo by Wallace Woon/EPA-EFE

June 21 (UPI) -- Denmark's Christian Eriksen hit an absolute missile of a goal Thursday against Australia in the World Cup, but his celebration needs some work.

The midfielder scored in the seventh minute at Samara Arena in Samara, Russia, putting Denmark ahead 1-0 in the Group C match. Denmark and Australia ended up in a 1-1 draw during their second bout in the group stage.

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Danish striker Nicolai Jorgensen brought down the ball at the top of the box during the play. He used a ridiculous touch to control a dart of a pass. He then used the outside of his right foot to leave the ball to an incoming Eriksen.

The midfielder stepped up and volleyed the feed with his left boot, drilling it into the upper-90 portion of the left side of the net. Aussie keeper Mathew Ryan guessed right on his save attempt, but was badly beaten by the screamer.

After making the shot, Eriksen attempted a tradition soccer celebration with a long slide on his knees. Instead of sliding along smoothly, his progress stopped abruptly as soon as he landed on his knees. He hopped up immediately, opting to be mobbed by his celebrating teammates.

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Mile Jedinak tied the game with a penalty kick in the 38th minute for Australia. Denmark and Australia went into the half tied at 1-1.

Denmark battles France in its final Group C clash at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Australia faces Peru at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.

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