Australia v Denmark predictions: Socceroos could stand firm until second half

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Australia v Denmark in World Cup Group D on Wednesday.

Where to watch

BBC Two, 3pm Wednesday

Best bet

Draw-Denmark double result
1pt 16-5 general

Denmark's first two Group D games have been 0-0 at half-time and they may need to be patient to break down an Australia side who know that a draw is likely to take them through to the last 16.

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Match preview

It has been a tough tournament for favourite-backers so Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark will be taking nothing for granted when they face a dogged Australia side in Group D with a place in the last 16 on the line.

The Danes' success under coach Kasper Hjulmand has been based on great team spirit and they face a Socceroos team who have shown similar grit and commitment at the World Cup finals.

The Aussies come into their third group game in a strong position, two points clear of qualification rivals Denmark and Tunisia, having beaten the Carthage Eagles 1-0 last time out.

Only once in their history have the Socceroos reached the last 16 of the World Cup, in 2006 when champions Italy needed a 95th-minute winner to end Australia's campaign, and bookmakers expect the Danes to deny them another shot at the knockout stages.

However, Hjulmand's men may need to be patient against Australia, who took a shock lead against world champions France in their first game and defended superbly against Tunisia after Mitchell Duke's 23rd-minute header.

If, as expected, France beat Tunisia in the other game in the group then a draw would be enough to take Graham Arnold's men into the last 16 so the longer the game remains goalless, the more pressure the Danes will feel.

Les Bleus hit back to lead Australia 2-1 at half-time on their way to a 4-1 victory but those were the only two first-half goals conceded by the Aussies in their last ten competitive internationals.

Arnold needs to squeeze every drop of potential out of a squad largely made up of players from the English Championship, Scottish Premiership and Australian A-League, especially as star playmaker Ajdin Hrustic has been fit enough only for a second-half substitute appearance against Tunisia.

Australia's two goals have come from just three shots on target against France and Tunisia so Denmark, held to a goalless draw by the Carthage Eagles before a closely-fought 2-1 loss to Les Bleus, should be confident of keeping a clean sheet.

The Danes are capable of slicing apart weaker opponents – they thrashed Wales 4-0 in the last 16 of Euro 2020 and scored 30 goals in ten qualifiers – but they cannot expect an easy ride against Australia.

Denmark's first two Group D matches were goalless at half-time and their crunch clash with the Socceroos could be another slow-burner.

Key stat

Australia have conceded only two first-half goals in their last ten competitive matches – both against France on matchday one.

Team news

Australia
Nathaniel Atkinson missed the win over Tunisia with an ankle problem and remains a doubt. Playmaker Ajdin Hrustic may start on the bench again as he builds up his match fitness.

Denmark
Midfielder Thomas Delaney (knee) has been ruled out of the tournament but centre-back Simon Kjaer should return to the starting 11.

Probable teams

Australia (4-5-1) Ryan; Karacic, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Leckie, Irvine, Mooy, McGree, Goodwin; Duke

Denmark (3-4-3) Schmeichel; Andersen, Kjaer, Christensen; Kristensen, Hojbjerg, Eriksen, Maehle; Skov Olsen, Dolberg, Damsgaard

Inside info

Australia

Top scorer in probable team Mathew Leckie
Star player Mat Ryan
Penalty taker Aaron Mooy
Assist ace Jackson Irvine
Set-piece aerial threat Harry Souttar
Card magnet Jackson Irvine

Denmark

Top scorer in probable team Christian Eriksen
Star player Christian Eriksen
Penalty taker Christian Eriksen
Assist ace Christian Eriksen
Set-piece aerial threat Simon Kjaer
Card magnet Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Australia v Denmark Bet Builder

Denmark to win to nil
Australia have had just three shots on target in their first two games.
More goals to be scored in second half
The Danes' first two Group D matches were 0-0 at half-time.
Joakim Maehle to have a shot on target
The attack-minded wing-back scored five goals in nine qualifying appearances.

Price guide 10-1 with bet365

Match information

Stadium Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
Fifa rankings Australia 38, Denmark 10
Weather Light cloud, 26C

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