ALL ON THE LINE FOR GOAL-SHY DANES AND ULTRA CONFIDENT SOCCEROOS
Australia will be in the unusual position of having their World Cup destiny in their own hands when they take on the might of Denmark in their final Group D match at their adopted Al Janoub Stadium home tonight (11pm, Hong Kong time).
While precious few would make the Socceroos favourites for the clash, the fact is that a victory for Australia would guarantee them a last-16 spot for the second time, while a draw would suffice if Tunisia are unable to beat already qualified France.
Charged with confidence after outsmuscling Tunisia 1-0 for their first World Cup finals win since 2010, the Australians are determined that the breakthrough victory should not be wasted by a failure to turn up.
“The result will mean nothing if we don’t get a result against Denmark,” centre back Harry Souttar said.
“It’s going to be an incredible test ... it’s all on the line for both teams and it’s what you play football for, the big moments.”
Denmark are still paying the price for failing to score against Tunisia in their opening 0-0 draw, their position in the group becoming all the more parlous when they lost 2-1 to France in their second contest.
European championship semi-finalists last year and regular visitors to the knockout rounds of the World Cup, the Danes should have the quality to beat Australia if they can rediscover their scoring touch.
France, meanwhile, will look to strike the right balance between resting players and keeping their momentum going when they take on Tunisia in the other Group D match, to be played at the same time tonight. The defending champions qualified for the knockout rounds with a game to spare and a draw with Tunisia would guarantee them top spot.
Coach Didier Deschamps is set to rest some of his key men and give fringe players minutes at the Education City Stadium.
Kylian Mbappe might be expected to be held back in reserve but the talismanic forward is chasing records in Qatar and Deschamps could give him some playing time to help him add to his seven World Cup goals – three of which were scored here.