Australia vs Denmark Prediction
30th November 2022
18:00 Qatar Time/15:00 GMT
Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah
World Cup Tournament Form:
Australia
Tunisia
1-0
France
4-1
Denmark
France
2-1
Tunisia
0-0
World Cup Head-to-Head Record
Played:1 Draws:1
Australia vs Denmark Prediction Match Overview
The result of Australia vs Denmark could determine who emerges from Group D. After being humbled by World Champions France, Australia defied the odds in their previous game against Tunisia. Tunisia were expected to edge it after their impressive performance against Denmark. However, in the early kick-off, they were ultimately disappointing. Much of this can be attributed to how well Australia played. The Socceroos were very good, and in a match where possession stats were relatively even, they deserved to win. They scored early through a beautiful Mitchell Duke header and were comfortable in the second half as Tunisia came forward. Indeed, Tunisia barely created anything.
Denmark will be disappointed with their result against France, particularly allied to their failure to beat Tunisia. In truth, the Danes didn’t do nearly enough to deserve a result, with their equaliser coming courtesy of a set-piece goal by Andreas Christensen. However, they were terrorised all night by Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe, with the latter scoring two lovely goals.
Truthfully, the Danes knew that defeat to France would not be terminal. Such is the make-up of this group that any of Denmark, Australia, and Tunisia can still qualify alongside France. However, qualification is improbable for the Africans as they have to beat France. Australia vs Denmark is likely to be a straight shootout, with Australia needing a point to qualify and Denmark requiring the victory. The Danes are undoubtedly the better team with the superior players. Much like Ecuador vs Senegal in Group A, this game is set up beautifully, where one team must attack.
Injuries and Suspensions
Might not play: Kjaer (Denmark); Atkinson (Australia)
Will not play: Delaney (Denmark)
Possible Lineups
Australia vs Denmark Analysis
Possible Changes
Australia may be unchanged, but key playmaker Ajdin Hrustic may come in for Riley McGree, now that Hrustic appears to be fit. In theory, Hrustic should allow the Australians to keep possession further up the pitch. Denmark could make a few changes. We see centre-back and captain Simon Kjaer playing in this massive game. Kasper Dolberg might also start after being dropped against France. Talented wide man Andreas Skov Olsen might also come back into the team. Denmark will likely maintain their three at the back system.
Midfield Battle
The midfield battle will likely be crucial in this match. Denmark might bolster their midfield further by introducing Brentford player Christian Norgaard. However, if not, Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are excellent midfielders playing at a high level in the English Premier League and capable of playing in a midfield two. Indeed, given Denmark’s pressing need to win this game, they should play quite attacking. This event would mean Eriksen, nominally a more advanced player in the number 10 role, playing in the deeper position. Hojbjerg’s role will be critical. Up against the energetic Jackson Irvine and the composed Aaron Mooy (who generally controlled the game against Tunisia), Hojbjerg must press heavily and not allow the Australians any time on the ball. Mooy is quite good at gaining his team a foothold if given time and space, and Hojbjerg will be mindful of this.
Hojbjerg is also adept at doing unheralded work; he often covers the gaps the Danish wing-backs leave when they go forward. This defensive diligence makes Hojbjerg a dream for more creative players to play alongside He will look to protect the Danish defence and knit the play well with Eriksen. We also anticipate that the number 9 or the wingers will sometimes drop deeper to help out in midfield. Mooy and Irvine must try to upset the Danish rhythm, and it is here that talented playmaker Ajdin Hrustic can do well if he starts. In addition to being an attacking threat, Hrustic can come deeper to form a midfield triangle and try to stop Denmark from playing through the lines. Whoever wins the midfield battle in Australia vs Denmark will give their team the platform to emerge victorious.
The Wide Areas
The width will also be critical in this game. We expect the Danish wingers to stay often wide, as this will leave more space in the midfield and in between the lines for Eriksen to exploit and work his magic. If Eriksen receives time on the ball, he can be a considerable threat, and Australia has their work cut out in covering the sides and ensuring no gaps in the middle. Andreas Skov Olsen, Jesper Lindstrom, and Mikkel Damsgaard present excellent wide options for the Danes in attacking areas. Indeed, all three are very talented. They are cute with their passing, tricky and clever on the ball and can shoot. They also keep the defenders guessing whether they will cut inside or go to the byline. If they try to come inside, Fran Karacic and Aziz Behich must try to jockey them and win the ball through tackles and interceptions. The Aussie centre-backs will be exposed if the Danish players come into the middle. In this situation, they will be susceptible to shots on goal or passes slid in behind them for the Danish number 9. This is where blocks and being brave might be crucial.
A further dangerous option out wide is the flying left wing-back Joakim Maehle. Maehle has pace, dribbling ability, and a lethal cross on his right foot. Australia must retain their shape and defend his balls whipped into the box when he goes forward. Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles are both strong in the air and will be comfortable with this. They might be more uncomfortable if the Danes transition on the counter and the Australian centre-backs are left to defend one-on-one.
Australia also have their threats in wide areas, though nowhere near as significant as the Danes. Craig Goodwin scored against France, and Mathew Leckie has been a solid if, unspectacular, winger for many years. They will likely be pinned back often and must help out their full-backs. On the occasions they can advance, they must link up well with Behich and Karacic and try to whip balls into the Danish area. However, there will be three tall Danish defenders and Hojbjerg cleaning up. Hence, the Australian potential goal threat might come more from Hrustic or Riley McGree’s cute little passes for Mitchell Duke or the quicker Jamie Maclaren to run in behind.
The Danes Must Win
Denmark are under no illusions. They know they must win to stand any chance of qualification for the round of 16. They will use every weapon at their disposal, be it attacking in the wide areas, crossing the ball, or taking advantage of Eriksen’s set pieces. Martin Braithwaite or Yussef Poulsen could also come on to run the channels and stretch the defences in the second half. This situation would create more space for Eriksen to exploit in the middle of the pitch and for the wingers to come inside. If the score is still level after an hour, the Danes might become more frantic. Hence, Australia could find joy on the counter as Australia vs Denmark opens up.
Australia Key Players
Harry Souttar
Souttar is a very tall and powerful centre-back. He struggled against France, though many players would against the French’s abundance of talent. He then played very well against Tunisia, holding the defensive fort. Make no mistake, Souttar will have to deal with an aerial bombardment at times in this game. The Danes are a tall team and will look to exploit Maehle and Eriksen’s crossing both in open play and from set pieces. At 6 foot 6, he is, therefore, a crucial player in the heart of the Australian rearguard. Souttar will also have to beware of the threat of the clever Danish wingers, and he is likely to make blocks in this game and put his body on the line.
Aaron Mooy
Mooy’s performance against Tunisia was impressive, and he, more than anyone other than perhaps Hrustic, is responsible for trying to gain some Australian possession and territory in this game. It will be challenging up against the guile of Eriksen and the tenacity of Hojbjerg. However, he must be brave and attempt to maintain possession when pressed and cover on transitions when Denmark recover the ball. He must also link up well with Irvine and try to play the ball through the lines to give Hrustic or McGree a chance to turn in the Danish defensive third. His set-piece delivery is also a good weapon. Indeed, Australia will be hoping to hurt the Danes at set plays, given that they have some players who are dominant in the air.
Denmark Key Players
Joakim Maehle
Maehle is a marauding and exciting weapon down the Danish left-hand side. Coach Kasper Hjulmand will ask him to advance consistently. He must get up and down the pitch to try to create in Denmark’s attacking third through little passes and, crucially, his delivery from wide. He will link up with Damsgaard or Lindstrom, and his option on the overload presents Australia with a problem. This is because the Danish winger can either choose to play Maehle in down the byline or use him as a decoy to cut inside and shoot themselves. Fast, energetic players such as Maehle cause confusion and havoc in defences. He could be vital to disrupting the Australian shape and proving something different in Australia vs Denmark.
Christian Eriksen
As the Danish talisman, it is imperative that Eriksen controls this match. He will likely start deeper alongside Hojbjerg. However, as stated, the option to bring in Norgaard for extra security is also there. As with his club Manchester United, Eriksen will be granted a license to move further forward. He must use his considerable creative talents to feed the wide men and striker and occupy the spaces between the Australian defensive and midfield lines. Hojbjerg enables this situation as he is often a one-player army in midfield with his energy and pressing. Therefore, Eriksen will likely be free to attack and take the game to Australia. His inventiveness and set-piece delivery will be vital and could determine the result.
Australia vs Denmark Prediction
Without stating the obvious, it is apparent that the Europeans have the better players here and should be winning in Australia vs Denmark. Indeed, the Danes impressed in reaching the semi-final of Euro 2020. Though they haven’t set this tournament alight yet, they will likely repeat what they did in that tournament and show up for the final group game. Australia are likely to try to contain and be disciplined, and playing for a draw is always risky. Perhaps the Aussies will come out looking to take Denmark on, but we would be surprised if that is the case. Denmark should dominate the game and have the majority of possession. We expect them to create chances and win the game, sealing second place and a round-of-16 match against the winners of Group C.