World Cup group C: Denmark vs. Australia team news, kick-off time and TV channel
Christian Eriksen and Denmark can take a huge step towards the last 16
Denmark vs. Australia
- When: Thursday 21 June
- Kick-off time: 1pm
- Where: Samara Arena, Samara
- TV channel: live on ITV
Christian Eriksen admitted that Denmark were not at their best in the 1-0 victory against Peru, but if they beat Australia at the Samara Arena they will all but assure themselves a spot in the World Cup round of 16.
Tottenham star Eriksen set up Yussuf Poulsen to score Denmark’s winner against Peru and after the match he told Fifa.com: “We certainly weren’t at our best. Peru were well organised and they made it hard for us. But it is not always necessary to play amazing football to win.
“You don’t get many chances at a World Cup and it was nice to see that we can actually also win even though it wasn’t great to look at.”
Eriksen is Denmark’s main creative threat and head coach Age Hareide believes Australia will man-mark him in the group C clash. Hareide said: “They will guard Christian a lot. So it’s important that we set him up in the right way.”
Following their 2-1 loss to France, Australia need to win against Denmark to keep their qualification hopes alive. Could Australia’s all-time leading scorer Tim Cahill once again be their saviour?
Former Socceroo Robbie Slater does not believe 38-year-old Cahill will start against Denmark, but he could have a crucial impact role. Slater told FoxSports.com.au: “He [Cahill] has always been the go-to man, but I just get the feeling that he won’t start. I think he’ll start on the bench.
“I’d be surprised if we’re down and we don’t use Timmy Cahill - because he is still our top goalscorer and was in World Cup qualifying.”
Team news
The Daily Telegraph reports that Denmark’s William Kvist broke two ribs against Peru and could miss the rest of the tournament. Lasse Schone is in contention to take Kvist’s place in midfield.
Australia coach Bert van Marwijk could select veteran forward Tim Cahill while the London Evening Standard says that 19-year-old Daniel Arzani - the youngest player at the tournament - may also be an attacking option.
Denmark vs. Australia predicted starting XIs
How the teams could line up at the Samara Arena, according to Fifa.com:
Denmark (4-3-3): Kasper Schmeichel; Jens Stryger Larsen, Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer, Henrik Dalsgaard; Lasse Schone, Thomas Delaney, Christian Eriksen; Pione Sisto, Nicolai Jorgensen, Yussuf Yurary Poulsen
Australia (4-4-2): Mathew Ryan; Aziz Behich, Mark Milligan, Trent Sainsbury, Josh Risdon; Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, Mile Jedinak, Robbie Kruse; Tomi Juric, Mathew Leckie
Group C results, fixtures and live TV channels
- France 2 Australia 1
- Peru 0 Denmark 1
- 21 June: Denmark vs. Australia (1pm, ITV); France vs. Peru (4pm, ITV)
- 26 June: Denmark vs. France (3pm, ITV); Australia vs. Peru (3pm, ITV4)
