AUSTRALIA

4

Last 16 (2006)

36

Bert van Marwijk

Mile Jedinak (below, right). With his club Aston Villa in financial crisis, the Aussie midfielder is in the shop window this summer. His solid, composed presence in front of an overworked defence will be vital if the Socceroos are to reach the knockout stages for the second time in five appearances at the finals. Jedinak, who scored twice in the play-off win over Honduras, needs to tick for his team to click. Group

Four years ago Australia proved a tough proposition but once again failed to emerge from the groups. The upheaval of losing coach Ange Postecoglou after the play-offs proved minimal as experienced Dutchman Van Marwijk took charge. He led Holland to the 2010 World Cup Final and Saudi Arabia into these finals. But even with his tactical acumen, the Aussies will do well to avoid finishing last in Group C.

4 Quarter-Finals (1998)

12

Age Hareide Christian Eriksen (left). The Tottenham midfielder is the key to his country’s cutting edge – both in terms of assists and goals. Few are better at set-pieces but whether he alone can ignite the Danes against elite opponents is another matter. Eleven goals in qualification and a hat-trick in the play-off against the Republic of Ireland emphasise his importance. Last 16

Denmark is a team nobody wants to face yet one that very few punters seriously fancy to progress deep into the tournament. They are too dependent on Eriksen but should be a good shout to reach the next stage, especially with their toughest group game – against France – coming last.