Match Preview: Australia vs Denmark

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If possession is nine-tenths of the law then the Socceroos are in a fantastic position to advance to the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Heading into their final group stage clash against Denmark at the Al Janoub Stadium on Wednesday, Australia currently occupy second position in Group D behind France but, importantly, ahead of the Danes.

That means, unless Tunisia secure an unlikely victory against an already-qualified French outfit, just a draw will be enough for Australia to advance.

But against a highly fancied Danish outfit, which contains a literally born-again Christian Eriksen, just getting a draw will be a tough challenge; although history is on Australia’s side.

The two sides met four years ago in the group stage of the World Cup in Russia, with a Mile Jedinak penalty earning Australia its only point from that tournament. A repeat performance on Wednesday would almost certainly be enough to see Australia qualify for the Round of 16 for just the second time in its history.

With the injured Martin Boyle replaced in the squad by Marco Tilio before the tournament began, and with Arnold confirming at his pre-match press conference that the injured Nathaniel Atkinson will be given right up until kick off to prove his fitness, Arnold could have as close to a fully fit squad from which to choose for the first time this tournament.

Ajdin Hrustic will be eyeing his first start of this World Cup after coming off the bench in the 1-0 win over Tunisia on Saturday, with Arnold also confirming he is one of many different options he and his coaching staff are exploring.

Having fielded practically the same XI against Tunisia as he did against France, making this their third match in just eight days, this will be a test for Australia’s much vaunted sports science department. Can those same players back up again on such a short turnaround after two taxing matches?

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Having done so against both France and Tunisia, Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand repeatedly pointed out in his pre-match press conference that he expects Australia to take the game to his side and not just sit back in the attempt of squeezing a draw out of the encounter.

Such a method, he remarked, would be dangerous to employ given the risk that comes with it.

Unlike Australia, Denmark know only three points will do, so their strategy will be obvious; they need goals and they need to attack.

During his press conference Arnold tortured an analogy about cakes and icing. The ingredients of this game should combine for a delicious cake; a knockout round qualification for the Socceroos would be the perfect icing.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

HARRY SOUTTAR – The giant defender was arguably Australia’s best in their win over Tunisia, a remarkable feat given he has just returned from a serious knee injury. His last ditch tackle to deny Tunisia late in the game will go down in Socceroos folklore. Having provided the pre-assist for Mathew Leckie in the opening game against France, he’ll be hoping to again play a big role in helping Australia create history.

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AJDIN HRUSTIC – Having come off the bench against Tunisia, if there is one change Arnold makes to his starting XI it is likely to be the introduction of Hrustic at the expense of Riley McGree. Hrustic is Arnold’s preferred option in that No.10 role in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and while McGree has performed admirably over the first two games, Hrustic offers a greater quality and creativity that could be crucial in unlocking the Danish defence.

MITCH DUKE – Having scored his first World Cup goal the Fagiano Okayama striker has shown he is far from just a one-trick pony at the point of the attack. It’s unlikely Arnold will change his focal point, and Duke’s all-round game has him ahead in the pecking order ahead of the likes of Maclaren and Cummings.

WHAT THEY SAID

Graham Arnold – Australian coach

“Something that’s been proven right, is that there’s one sporting team that unites Australia and it’s the Socceroos. It just shows you that football is alive and well in Australia.

“My goal is to put a smile on the faces of Australians.

“If you’re not Australian and you don’t know, football in Australia is probably the fourth or fifth main sport.

“After AFL, rugby league, rugby union, cricket – then it’s football, they call it soccer. To leave a legacy is huge.

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“In 2006 and what that generation did, I was very fortunate, I was there as assistant coach with Guus Hiddink and experienced that as well.

“This generation (of players) was 10 years of age watching these guys do what they did in 2006. Those guys were the inspiration

“This generation is talking about emulating the 2006 squad and achieving the same goals they saw as 10 year olds.

““In (20)06 we got one win (against Japan) and one draw (against Croatia) – our ambition is to get two wins and have the most wins at a World Cup.”