Australia vs Denmark: Can the Aussies pull off huge shock and qualify for knockout stages?
Australia take on Denmark this Wednesday at the Al Janoub Stadium in their final match in group D.
A lot is on the line for Australia and Denmark, both of which can still qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup with a win tomorrow, with the loser sent packing.
Australia currently sit in the heavily desired second spot behind France after pulling off a shock 0-1 win over Tunisia thanks to a Mitchell Duke header in the 23rd minute.
Graham Arnold’s side did extremely well to secure first win in the World Cup for 12 years, especially after being pummelled 4-1 by France in their opening fixture.
Australia fans in Melbourne went WILD after the goal that gave them their first World Cup win in 12 years 🔥
(via @Rory_Flanagan)pic.twitter.com/mFZDfiIIrS
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 26, 2022
On the other hand, Denmark have failed to get going this tournament following their success at Euro 2020.
After breezing through qualification, the Danes drew their opener with Tunisia 0-0 and fell to a narrow 2-1 loss to France, despite having beaten Didier Deschamps’ side twice in the recent Nations League campaign.
Kasper Hjulmand’s side were much improved against the in-form France but a brace from Kylian Mbappe cancelled out Andreas Christensen’s headed equaliser meaning Denmark have it all to do tomorrow.
Team News
Australia could be without Nathaniel Atkinson who missed the win over Tunisia with a knock to his ankle but have otherwise managed to avoid any further injury woes.
Denmark have also successfully dodged any further injuries to their squad after losing Thomas Delaney to a knee injury against Tunisia.
Head-to-head
The two sides have met four times before with Denmark possessing the greater record having beaten the Socceroos twice in international friendlies back in 2007 and 2012.
Australia have beaten Denmark just the once in 2010, with the sides’ last meeting ending in a 1-1 draw in Russia back at the 2018 World Cup. This is their only World Cup meeting.
Australia rode their luck at times against Tunisia but were defensively solid and that will need to continue against Denmark who will surely be throwing everything they have at the Aussies’ backline.
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