AUSTRALIA and Denmark meet in what should be a winners-takes-all encounter.
This is an intriguing encounter because before the tournament you'd be betting on a comprehensive Danish victory every day of the week.
But there's been a malaise around the Danes' camp almost before they got to Qatar. They've probably been the most vocal for off-pitch noise back in their homeland about the rights and wrongs of the tournament and that appears to have been transported onto the pitch.
They were sluggish against Tunisia in their goalless draw and although losing to France 2-1 seems a respectable defeat, they was something lacking from Kasper Hjulmand's side's display and the nation who were many pundit's dark horses have failed to live up to the hype so far with only really Christian Erikssen impressing.
Australia really stepped up to the mark against Tunisia and thoroughly deserved their win. They played with energy and organisation and probably could have won by more goals. Their naivety against France in the opening game was forgotten.
Denmark must win and will finish second if Tunisia draw or lose to France, but if Denmark and Tunisia both win, second place will be decided by goal difference and then goals scored.
For Australia, a win will be enough and a draw will also be good enough if Tunisia fail to beat France.
How the bookies view it
Denmark are huge favourites with Highbet at 23/50. Australia are outsiders and can be backed at 109/20 – basically 11/2. The draw is 63/20.
Recent head to head
The nations played in the last World Cup and fought out a 1-1 draw in Samara. They've also met three times in friendlies with two wins for the Danes and one for the Aussies.
Players to watch
Mitch Duke not only scored the only goal against Tunisia, he was excellent throughout. The Fagiano Okayama striker is 99/20 to score on Wednesday.
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Jesper Lindstrom played for 85 minutes against the French and he has scored eight goals for his club this season already. He looks set to get the nod again and is 23/10 to score.
Anything else catch the eye?
Denmark look way too short to back here on the evidence of what we have seen so far. If Australia show the determination, passion and defensive maturity they showed against the Tunisians in a hostile atmosphere, they can frustrate the Danes and get the draw they need which will surely be enough.
Australia have only won three corners in their two games and the Danes managed 11 in one game alone against Tunisia. They are likely to dominate here again though so take them -3.5 corners on the handicap at 139/100 with Highbet.
This World Cup match between Australia and Denmark will be played on Nov 30, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Australia vs Denmark prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
