By Jullian Sardana (@JullianSardana)
The Socceroos are one step closer to booking their ticket into the World Cup knockout stages, however Denmark stand in their way and are desperately looking for their first win in this year’s World Cup.
After an inspiring display shown by Australia in their win over Tunisia where Mitch Duke scored in 23rd minute and as well keeping a clean sheet, a win will secure the Socceroos’ place in the knockouts. Although, a draw against the Danish may just be enough if results favour the Aussies way.
Denmark on the other hand have their backs against the wall, where they had a goaless draw against Tunisia and a 2-1 loss to France. A win is an absolute must for Denmark if they want a chance to get into the knockouts.
Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand usually would line up his men with three centre backs consisting of Andreas Christensen, Joachim Andersen and Simon Kjaer. However, Kjaer suffered an injury against Tunisia which saw him miss the game against France and saw Victor Nelsson slot into the back three. The right and left wing backs Rasmus Kristensen and Joakim Maehle would advance higher up the ptich and play as wingers and drop back next to the back three to offer defensive support.
Denmark will aim to put their previous results behind them and make a statement against the Socceroos on Thursday morning at the Al Janoub stadium.
Hjulmand likes to switch up the lineup depending on their opposition when it comes the midfielders and attackers. Against Tunisia, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Thomas Delaney and Christian Eriksen played in the midfield three with Andreas Skov Olsen and Kasper Dolberg playing as a front two. In comparison to their game against France, the Danish played Højbjerg and Eriksen in the middle of the park with Mikel Damsgaard and Jesper Lindstrom playing as inverted wingers/attacking midfielders and Andreas Cornelius as a lone striker.
Players to keep an eye on:
Christian Eriksen (Manchester United, Midfielder)
It was only one year ago at Euro 2020 when Christian Eriksen suffered from cardiac arrest. After his spell with Brentford, he truely showed that he can still perform at the top level. Although Denmark’s performances haven’t been up to par, Eriksen’s leadership and creativity will be crucial if they want to qualify for the knockouts.
Kasper Schmeichel (OGC Nice, Goalkeeper)
The former Leicester City goalkeeper will be entering his last major tournament with Denmark and potentially could be his last game against the Socceroos. The Premier League winner will be aiming to lead his Danish side to a win against Australia and hopefully make it through to the knockouts.
Andreas Christensen (FC Barcelona, Defender)
The former Chelsea academy graduate is Denmark’s only goalscorer in this World Cup scoring against France. Chirstensen is a mainstay in the Danish side and will look to provide defensive stability. Without the presence of Simon Kjaer, Christensen will have to step up to coordinate and lead Denmark’s defence.
How will Denmark line up?
Hjulmund has used multiple formations with this Denmark side utilising formations such as a 3-4-3, 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3 at some points. Throughout this World Cup, Denmark have lined up with three centre backs which they will most likely use against the Aussies. They can always switch it up when it comes to midfielders and attackers during the game as well.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3)
Schmeicel; Nelsson, Christensen, Andersen; Kristensen, Højbjerg, Eriksen, Maehle; Lindstrom, Cornelius, Damsgaard.