Pione Sisto and Christian Eriksen are a joy to behold, plus other Peru 0-1 Denmark talking points

DENMARK CAN ONLY GET BETTER, WHILE PERU COULDN’T FIND A FINISH

There was plenty of cause for optimism when the World Cup draw pitted these two nations together in Group C.

The South Americans are back on the global stage for the first time since 1982, boast flourishing forwards in Cueva and Edison Flores, plus head coach Ricardo Gareca possesses a commitment to attacking football.

For Denmark, their Norwegian boss Age Hareide has earned a reputation as a skilled proponent of an aggressive and direct game.

To add further intrigue, both came in with national-record 15 match unbeaten runs.

They left with only Denmark’s historic stint alive. But this does not tell the full tale.

The Danes put in a confused display, reverting to the possession football of old despite recent success with a contrasting style. The sight of Feyenoord marksman Nicolai Jorgensen aimlessly drifting into the channels was all too frequent.

Poulsen’s smart finish after a fantastic breakaway was the team’s one moment of true quality. To solidify hopes of a first round-of-16 berth since 2002, they must reconnect with what brought them to this point – starting with Thursday’s clash against Australia.

For Peru, their effervescent performance had everything but a goal. They had more shots (17/10), shots on target (six/three) and enjoyed more possession (53 per cent/47 per cent).

Why they didn’t start record scorer Paolo Guerrero after the freezing of his drugs ban is the only cause for regret.

Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was Denmark’s best player, making six saves – two of which were superb from Watford forward Andre Carrillo’s low drive and Lokomotiv Moscow star Jefferson Farfan’s close-range attempt.

This was a genuine hard-luck story for the South Americans. Find a finish against France and they could write a great upset.

CUEVA CAN COME AGAIN

Cueva’s World Cup dream turned into a nightmare in the final moments of the first half.

A golden opportunity to score his nation’s first goal at the tournament in 36 years ended up with the ball skied high over the crossbar and tears flowing as he trudged off, crestfallen, at the break.

Yet this moment should not define Cueva. The Sao Paulo magician was otherwise wonderful.

An expert cutback drew the penalty from Poulsen, via VAR, that he then missed. Soon after Denmark’s goal, he again artfully earned space in a packed area before Aalborg’s Edison Flores miscued.

The 26-year-old has the ability to create a World Cup memory to cherish in the matches to come.

SISTO AND ERIKSEN ARE A JOY TO BEHOLD

Denmark already boast one outstanding double act in their history.

The Laudrup brothers, Michael and Brian, lit the fuse together for ‘Danish Dynamite’ from 1987-1998. Even though only the latter was present for Euro 1992’s dumbfounding success, their achievements in tandem live on.

Suitable heirs have now emerged in Celta Vigo’s Pione Sisto and Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen.

Between them, they contributed a combined 19 top-flight assists last term. This craftsmanship was again on show for their nation’s sole highlight from a mixed evening.

Poulsen provided the finish at Mordovia Arena, but it was the double creative threat which made it a moment to remember.

Sisto floated into a pocket of space within his own half and arced a pass which intersected the Peru midfield and went straight into the feet of the advancing Eriksen.

The Ajax youth product then took his time, bewitched the back-stepping centre-backs and dinked a perfectly weighted ball into the path of the goalscorer to finish off.

Sisto only lasted 10 minutes more on the pitch. But his, and Eriksen’s, work was done.

Victory on Saturday increases the likelihood there will be more flashes of brilliance to come, in the group stage and beyond.