Prior to the tournament, France were expected to cruise through the group stage with a gift of pickings against whom they would exhibit their quality. However a tough resilient Australia side who pushed them all of the way before losing 2-1, and a Denmark side demonstrating their talent over Peru, showed that the group has a bit more of the quality and excitement than was originally expected,with the tantalising prospect that it might not quite go all France’s way. It is therefore somewhat of a shame that the two teams have to play each other, with Australia almost certain to exit the competition following a loss to Denmark this afternoon. The Group C match kicks off a 1pm (BST) at the Samara Arena.
Denmark
Denmark are unfortunately without the injured William Kvist, whose tournament has come to an end following a rib injury. Coach Age Hareide knows that the battling, bruising Socceroos will likely target their main threat Christian Eriksen so simultaneously protecting the Spurs’ man and providing him the freedom to operate will be the key focus of his tactics. Hareide knows that a win over Australia today will all but secure qualification, still dependent on the later France v Peru game. On the -other-hand, Denmark know that a loss will have an almighty challenge that will demand a vital win against one of the favourites of the tournament in the next game and be certain to keep Dynamite fans’ nerves on edge.
Thomas Delaney captain of Werder Bremen, picked up a yellow in Denmark’s opening match, needs to be careful.
Absences
William Kvist has fractured a rib.
Predicted Line-Up
Kasper Schmeichel – Jens Stryger Larsen – Andreas Christensen – Simon Kjaer – Henrik Dalsgaard – Thomas Delaney – Lukas Lerager – Christian Eriksen – Pione Sisto – Yussuf Poulsen – Nicolai Jörgensen
Australia
Australia manager Bert van Marwijk, who only took over last November following the shock resignation of coach Ange Postecoglou, will not want his current team to go the way of his former, Saudi Arabia, and be on course to finish the tournament without a point and a source of ridicule.
A solid performance again France was unfortunate not be rewarded with a share of the spoils. The Socceroos can push on today.
Their solid back four line, who for the majority of their France game did so well to contain the threat of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, and Ousmane Dembélé, will again be deployed in the attempt to contain such Danish sparklers as Pione Sisto and Christian Eriksen.
It’s a battle between Tomi Rogic and Jackson Irvine for the number 10 role, behind Andrew Nabbout who has started every game under van Marwijk.
Absences
Australia have no injuries or suspensions.
Predicted Line-Up
Mat Ryan – Aziz Behich – Trent Sainsbury – Mark Milligan – Josh Risdon – Mile Jedinak – Aaron Mooy – Robbie Kruse – Tom Rogic – Mathew Leckie – Andrew Nabbout