Denmark to pick up all three points versus Aussies

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Denmark are one win away from progressing to the World Cup round of 16. Australia stands in the team's way and the two sides will meet Wednesday in Samara. Denmark defeated Peru in their opening match, 1-0. The Danes had to work hard for the win and Kasper Schmeichel's goalkeeping late in the match prevented the Peruvians from levelling the score

Australia come into the match after losing to France 2-1. The Aussies played well against the French. Bert van Marwijk's team was victims of an 81st minute own goal. It was a difficult way to lose as the Socceroos performed above expectations.

Despite Denmark being favoured, the Danes will need to play well against Australia. Denmark were under constant pressure against Peru. Manager Age Hareide needs to find a way to keep his team in possession and the ball away from Schmeichel's goal. Denmark gave up 54% possession in their opening match. The Danes were outshot by Peru 17-10 and allowed the South Americans to tally six shots on target. If it hadn't been for Cristian Cueva's missed penalty, Denmark would be going into match two in a different frame of mind.

Australia managed just one shot on goal in their opening game. The Aussies had little in the way of an attacking threat and their only goal came from the penalty spot. Despite the lack of a sustained attack against the French, Van Marwijk's team should have had a draw. There has been a claim that VAR was at fault for France's first goal after it awarded the team a penalty.

While the Socceroos had no offensive spark, the team worked hard and Van Marwijk will need to find a way to score goals against Denmark. An Australia win will give the side a chance of qualification going into the third matchday. Van Marwijk could deploy veteran attacker Tim Cahill. The forward may be 38-years old, but he can still bring the Socceroos to life. Down Under there has been a call for him to start Wednesday's match against Denmark.

Hareide will make at least one change to his team. Veteran midfielder William Kvist sustained a rib injury against Peru. He will miss the remainder of the tournament. Hareide will continue with game one match winner Yussuf Poulsen on the right side of the attack. Despite giving up a penalty to Peru in the first half, Poulsen scored Denmark's only goal.

Van Marwijk and Australia will have more impetus to win in their second match. Despite their need for all three points, Denmark will come away with a big victory and a spot in the round of 16.