World Cup Forensics: Denmark vs Australia

Australia faces it's next challenge tonight as Denmark awaits in the second round of Group Stage fixtures. The Danish are buoyant after a resilient win over Peru, whilst Australia is coming off a tough but encouraging loss to France.

It took a penalty and an own goal to bring down the Socceroos against the French, and they'll back themselves to get a result against the Danes.

In terms of team changes Bert van Marwijk could make just one change to the starting XI from last time out, with Tomi Juric coming in for Andrew Nabbout as the forward in the Dutchman's preferred 4-4-1-1 system.

William Kvist was stretchered off against Peru and will not take his place against Australia, whilst Andreas Christensen should be right to play after sustaining a knock.

Denmark can virtually guarantee a spot in the knockout stages with a win, and if they can find space for Christian Eriksen to operate in Australia will find it tough to contain him.

Denmark are winning 57 percent of the 10000 simulations run by the Stats Insider Model, with Australia coming in at 17 percent, and a draw at 26 percent. Australia are a strong defensive unit and with Denmark likely to be on the front foot in this game they'll look to hit them on the counter.

Australia showed against France that despite it's underdog tag they will not be easily intimidated by anyone, and they have a chance if they can manufacture shots into goals from counter-attacking opportunities.

It was a smart counter-attack and swift finish from Poulsen that got Denmark the win against Peru, but despite the scoreline the Danes were lucky to get away with three points after Peru failed to convert a first-half penalty.

Yussuf Poulsen, Christian Eriksen and Pione Sisto form a tough, clever attacking midfield trio for the Danes and Mile Jedinak, Josh Risdon and Aziz Behich will have a tough time containing them.

Christian Eriksen has created or scored 17 goals in his last 14 appearances for Denmark (12 goals, five assists), and is the talisman for the Danes. He is one of the world's best playmakers and Australia's most important task is finding a way to stifle his talents.

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