Australia vs Denmark – World Cup Group D: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction for winner-take-all clash
AUSTRALIA head into a decisive clash with Denmark knowing a draw will almost certainly be enough to see them through to the last 16.
That would make it only the second time the Socceroos have reached a World Cup knockout stage.
However, they arrive as underdogs against a usually-impressive Denmark side that has yet to click.
The Danes made it to the Euro 2020 semi-finals last year, but were held to a draw by Tunisia before losing to France at this tournament.
That means that they will require a victory in this one to make it through.
SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Australia vs Denmark including our score prediction.
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How are they getting on?
Australia: Graham Arnold’s side have confounded pre-tournament predictions to give themselves a great chance of qualifying.
Though they were outclassed by France in a 4-1 loss, they recovered to earn a crucial 1-0 win over Tunisia through Mitchell Duke.
Read the full Tunisia vs Australia match report…
Denmark: The Danes were disappointing in an opening 0-0 draw with the Tunisians which could cost them dear.
A narrow 2-1 defeat to France in their second match means only a win will do in this one.
Read the full France vs Denmark match report…
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Any injuries to worry about?
Australia: Nathaniel Atkinson picked up a knock against France and replacement Fran Karacic is likely to keep his spot after a strong display against Tunisia.
Hibernian striker Martin Boyle has been ruled out of the entire World Cup after an ACL injury on the eve of the tournament.
Denmark: Thomas Delaney will miss the rest of the tournament with a knee injury.
Mikkel Damsgaard replaced him during the France game and is likely to keep his place.
Who will be the star men?
Australia: Aaron Mooy has provided a typically assured presence in midfield and will need to do so again if the Socceroos are to qualify.
Denmark: The Danish squad is full of talent but it’s hard to look beyond Man Utd star Christian Eriksen as the main man.
Permutations
Australia will qualify automatically with a win over Denmark.
A draw will be enough if Tunisia fail to beat France.
Denmark must beat Australia by a margin equal to any Tunisian victory over France.
What’s the head-to-head?
The sides have met just once at the World Cup – four years ago.
That day, a Mile Jedinak penalty earned the Aussies a 1-1 draw after an early Christian Eriksen strike.
Australia and Denmark have met three more times, all friendlies, with the Aussies winning, losing and drawing one.
Odds
Australia 6-1
Draw 7/2
Denmark 8-15
SunSport prediction
Australia 1 Denmark 2