TEAM NEWS
Denmark’s Jonas Knudsen flew home to see his baby daughter immediately after Saturday’s World Cup win over Peru but returned to the squad on Tuesday and is in contention to face Australia.
Lasse Schone could replace William Kvist, who was taken off on a stretcher during Denmark’s opener, though the midfielder remains hopeful of returning before the end of the group stages.
The tournament’s youngest player, 19-year-old Daniel Arzani, was introduced in Saturday’s defeat for Australia and could start against Denmark.
OVERVIEW
Denmark began their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory against a Peru side making their first appearance in the competition since 1982.
Peru had earlier missed a penalty which was given by the video assistant referee for a foul by Yussuf Poulsen but the offender then gave Denmark a slim lead in the second half.
It took Denmark 27 minutes to have their first shot on goal in Saransk and they were forced to defend for large periods of the game but will still fancy their chances against an Australian side who have only made it out of the group stages on one occasion at the World Cup (2006).
Following the shock resignation of coach Ange Postecoglou in November, Van Marwijk has had limited time to prepare his Australia squad but they produced a good performance against one of the tournament favourites France.
Australia are aiming to emulate their achievements in 2006, but got off on the wrong foot with a late 2-1 defeat in Kazan.
VIEW FROM BOTH CAMPS
Denmark coach Age Hareide:"Australia are a bit different to us. We have a few players who are at a higher level than them if you look at the squads player by player. But it’s going to be a tight game.
"If you look at the results during this tournament then it would appear that many of the favourites have a tough time dealing with that role. If you go back two years and look at the matches there, then that was the case there as well.
“They leave all the pressure on the favourites because they can play free without pressure. And when a wall of 10 men is waiting for you in the box, then they can become very tough to break down.”
Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy : "We have a gameplan, which we’ve played since Bert Van Marwijk and the coaching staff took over and not a lot is changing. We just try and do our jobs better.
“The gameplan worked well against France, maybe we need to attack a bit more but that depends how the game’s going. We need to win so hopefully we’ll get a few chances and put them away.”
“Every game at the World Cup is like a final.”
On Denmark’s Christian Eriksen: “He’s an excellent player, he’s had a great season and he’s probably Denmark’s most dangerous player. We have to keep a close eye on him, and try and stop the supply to him. We have to do it altogether as a team.”
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My resident Aussie is so despondent he will not accept any side bets where he has to have Australia 
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Glad we arent tge only team that leave Ericksen in space by the box.Screamer
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6 mins
GOAL - Denmark 1-0 Australia
Christian Eriksen
We said **Christian Eriksen ** was the danger man and he opens the scoring.
A ball is played forward and Nicolai Jorgensen does excellently to nod the ball down, but Eriksen’s technique is sublime, catching a rising ball sweetly on the half volley and it flies past Mat Ryan and Denmark lead.
Wouldn’t you just know it, the Denmark game is the first I’m not able to watch.
I’ll have to rely on you fellas.
We have a VAR review penalty appeal for Aussies
penalty to Aus Deffo double movement by the Danish player moved to the ball while outstretched it bounced off a player and hit his arm a second time.
No doubt it will be debated.
Jedinak v Schmeichel 37th minute
Sends him wrong way 1-1
Posted at35 mins
Denmark 1-0 Australia
The corner, Australia fourth, comes from the right wing and Leckie meets it. Australia players think it is a handball.
Posted at13:36
Denmark 1-0 Australia
Play goes, on, but then stops. VAR! VAR VAR
Posted at13:36
PENALTY for Australia
Denmark 1-0 Australia
The appeals had been quite half-hearted, play went down the other end and then referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz checks the footage and gives the spot-kick.
Leckie’s header had hit Yussuf Poulsen’s hand, and the arm was raised. Jedinak to take it.
13:47
HALF-TIME
Denmark 1-1 Australia
Denmark looked like running away with this match with Christian Eriksen’s goal after only seven minutes, but all credit to Australia they have fought back and done it well.
Half time, good game.
Soft goal, however I am watching this in soft focus - bottle and a half in of Croatian white (great stuff, who knew?)
rehydrating with a beer
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I’d join you but having had sod all to do all day I’m waiting for a conference call. Which could be at any time between now and 6pm your time.
#bloodyannoying
Oh oh, I can feel the laser beam glare of the Ayatollah. Evidently I was only meant to have one beer.
Fuck it, in for a penny in for a kuna…
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Perfection. Football on mobdro on the phone, cricket stream on the laptop…
A point for the gentle Danes.
We’re slow starters, traditionally. Like Italy.
Hmm, seen the replay for the handball, was a wee bit harsh IMHO
