Incredible footage captures the moment Australia obtains Denmark's secret hand-written plans
Remarkable footage has emerged of how Australia and Graham Arnold obtained hand-written Danish plans late in the Socceroos’ 1-0 win over Denmark.
Despite Arnold immediately making a change after appearing to receive the information, the Herald Sun reports the Socceroos privately claim the not simply confirmed what was already suspected, and did not influence their plans.
The footage was not broadcast to Australian viewers via SBS but instead on the world feed and captures a series of events that ends with a note from the Denmark coaching team in the hands of Arnold and his staff.
Interesting series of events from @Socceroos game no one is talking about:
— Gerard Laws (@gerard_laws) December 1, 2022
70' Danish sub carries note onto field to give to Eriksen
72' Note appears to end up in hands of Aussie coaching staff
74' Australia makes sub and switches formation to 5-4-1 #GoSocceroos #GiveIt100 pic.twitter.com/owweXnDtIC
Footage of the note falling into the wrong hands 😂#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Pe8cImNbgF
— Danish Football (@DanishFTBL) December 2, 2022
Mathew Leckie gave Australia the advantage in the 60th minute and 10 minutes later Danish striker Robert Skov was substituted into the game.
Skov comes into the clash with a note in his hand which is handed to captain Christian Eriksen.
But the note ends up in the hands of Mitch Duke – how exactly is unclear – and then is passed to the bench. It’s understood the note confirmed Denmark would change structure to play with two strikers, with the world’s 10th-ranked side desperate not to be eliminated in the group stage.
“The Danish note may have found its way to the Australian bench now,” commentator Daniel Mann stated.
He added: “It’s not just about the pure football, getting the job done.”
Shortly after, Arnold switches formation to a back five when bringing on defender Bailey Wright. Australia then repelled repeated Danish forays for the final 22 minutes, including six minutes of injury time.
The win sealed just Australia’s second appearance in the World Cup Round of 16, with Arnold’s side also becoming the first Socceroos team to win multiple group matches.