World Cup warm up: Denmark and Australia endure contrasting fortunes ahead of pivotal meeting

It’s fair to say that Denmark and Australia endured contrasting fortunes in the opening round of matches at the 2018 World Cup. Denmark underwhelmed against Peru and were fortuitous to win 1-0, whereas Australia successfully rattled Euro 2016 finalists France and deserved more than a 2-1 defeat.

Instead of being rewarded for their efforts, Australia will be eliminated from this summer’s tournament if they are lose on Thursday. Denmark, meanwhile, are in a great position in Group C despite performing below expectations on Saturday. Denmark have advanced from the group stages in three of their four appearances at World Cup finals and look good value to progress this time around as well.

Aaron Mooy was the standout performer for Australia against France at the weekend, illustrated by the fact the 27-year-old garnered the highest WhoScored rating for Bert van Marwijk’s side (7.26). Australia will need the Huddersfield midfielder to be at his best on Thursday in order to help cut the supply line to Denmark’s star man Christian Eriksen.

The Tottenham creator had a quiet game against Peru but was still given the necessary room to deliver the decisive pass from which Denmark scored their winner. Capable of making the difference at any moment, it serves as a warning for Australia cannot afford to give Eriksen a moment of breathing space for the whole match.

Eriksen is the unquestionable star in Denmark’s squad this summer and it will be up to the likes of Thomas Delaney and Lasse Schone to ensure the 26-year-old receives the ball in more threatening positions more frequently against Australia.

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Even if Australia are successful in nullifying the threat of Eriksen, they will have to improve their own output in attack to get a positive result. It was a moment of madness from Samuel Umtiti that presented Australia the chance to score against France rather than any quality from Van Marwijk’s side.

Denmark do not have the same calibre players as France but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be any easier for Australia to forge goalscoring opportunities. Age Hareide’s side are unbeaten in their last 16 matches, stretching back to October 2016. Not only that, but Denmark have kept clean sheets in the last five.

Australia have crashed out at the group stages of the last two editions of the World Cup and failed to win a single game in Brazil four years ago. It will take a monumental effort from Australia if they are to turnaround their World Cup campaign from here on out.

Tim Cahill was an unused substitute against France in Australia’s first match but if there is anyone in their squad capable of sparking a revival then you wouldn’t bet against the 38-year-old. The former Everton forward is chasing history this summer, looking to join Pele, Uwe Seeler and Miroslav Klose as the only players to score in four consecutive World Cups.

Writer Predictions:

Martin Laurence - Denmark 0-0 Australia

Ben McAleer - Denmark 1-1 Australia

Josh Wright - Denmark 1-0 Australia