Key posts
How the Socceroos can make it
Degenek steps up, Tunisia have goal denied
13 minutes: Milos Degenek has proven his selection was right making a diving tackle to block what looked a certain goal for Denmark who are dominating the ball.
In the Tunisia game, Nader Ghandri looked to have scored for Tunisia but was ruled offside.
If Tunisia beat France’s weakened team today, then the Socceroos have to win to make sure they advance.
Socceroos 0, Denmark 0
Australia’s Riley McGree, centre, is challenged by Denmark’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, left.Credit:AP
Early yellow card for Behich
Four minutes: Socceroos left-back Aziz Behich has been booked for his first foul. Very early yellow card from the referee but Behich did take a risk by pulling back on the Denmark player.
Socceroos 0, Denmark 0
The Socceroos warm up.Credit:AP
Play is underway
Australia is in their gold and green kit, Denmark in their traditional red kit.
Denmark is on the attack early as expected while the Socceroos are pushing them to win back the ball.
Fans, flares fire up at Melbourne’s Federation Square
By Lachlan Abbott
The first flare was set alight at Melbourne’s Federation Square at 1.38am.
Large numbers of Socceroos fans had already arrived at the iconic Melbourne site to watch a live stream of the country’s do-or-die clash against Denmark more than an hour before kickoff.
Fans prepare to watch Socceroos v Denmark at Federation Square, Melbourne.Credit:Lachlan Abbott
Amelie Blackham, Josie Wong, Keisha Jacobs and Maya Jacobs were among the crowd, but were sitting away from the chanting revellers swarming the centre of the square.
The four friends play soccer together for Mentone Grammar in Melbourne’s south-east and said they didn’t come to the first two live Socceroos screenings at Fed Square, but decided to come into the city centre of Australia’s final group game.
“We just came to this one because it’s our most exciting one. It’s like our make or break,” Keisha said.
Despite some optimism that the Socceroos would score, the group consensus was that Denmark would probably win.
Security and temporary fencing at Federation Square has been significantly bolstered after the Socceroos’ Saturday match against Tunisia was screened at the square amid a haze of flares and raucous fans.
Denmark’s destroyer could single-handledy crush Australia. Five passes show how.
By Adam Pengilly
Think NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who runs games with machine-like efficiency, and champion golfer Cameron Smith, the man with the touch around the greens the envy of players everywhere.
Put together a combination of those two, and you have Denmark’s miracle man Christian Eriksen, the Socceroos’ biggest hurdle between World Cup history and another group stage exit.
Christian Eriksen must be stopped if the Socceroos have any chance.Credit:Monique Westermann
Eriksen is a biological miracle, brought back to life after suffering a heart attack on the field while playing for Denmark during the Euros last year.
He has a defibrillator the size of a matchbox inserted in his chest, but it’s his brain which makes him one of the best players in the world, and why Graham Arnold will be having cold sweats trying to limit his impact in the final Group D game in Qatar on Thursday morning (AEDT).
‘We haven’t mentioned the word draw’: Arnold
By Roy Ward
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold says his side hasn’t talked about a draw and will look to beat Denmark and keep a “winning mentality”.
“We haven’t even mentioned the word of a draw, it’s all about winning this game,” Arnold told SBS pre-game.
Graham Arnold says he has “massive concerns” for the future of the Socceroos.Credit:Getty
“Having a winning mentality and going out there and getting the job done to win the game.”
He said Milos Degenek was brought in as extra defensive cover at right back and his side was fresh and ready.
“The boys are in great,” Arnold told SBS.
“They are in great shape, mentally and physically. You can see it by their faces. They’re relaxed and they’re fresh. They’re ready to go.
“We decided to go with Milos, more of a defensive full-back because they have some weapons on that side of the pitch.”
France rests its stars for Tunisia clash, no shocks in Socceroos team
By Vince Rugari
No massive shocks with Graham Arnold’s team – one change, Milos Degenek coming in at right-back for Fran Karacic.
Let’s hope Milos brings that ‘lion mentality’.
Socceroos defender Milos Degenek.Credit:Getty Images
Otherwise the Socceroos coach has stuck with a winning formula, with the only question being whether they have enough petrol left in the tank for another 90-minute war, most of which they’re probably going to be under siege from the Danes, who need to win this match to progress.As for the other game…
France have rung the changes. Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud on the bench.
It’s still a quality XI they’ll be fielding against Tunisia – let’s hope they can do the job because if Tunisia win, the Socceroos must win also.
How the Socceroos can make it
Denmark names its 11
Denmark has named its team ahead of today’s game:
Degenek in, Hrustic to wait on bench for Socceroos
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has named his starting 11 for today with defender Milos Degenek coming into the starting side, likely on the right side of defence while Riley McGee has retained his place in the midfield leaving Ajdin Hrustic to start on the bench.
