FIFA World Cup: Australia to lock horns with Denmark, Tunisia to face France

Doha: In FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, France will take on Tunisia and Austrilia will play against Denmark on Wednesday (today).

Both matches will start at 8:00 pm Pakistan Standard Time.

Australia vs Denmark

Australia will be in the unusual position of having their World Cup destiny in their own hands when they take on the might of Denmark in their final Group D match at their adopted Al Janoub Stadium home on Wednesday.

While precious few would make the Socceroos favourites for the clash, the fact is that a victory for Australia would guarantee them a last 16 spot for the second time, while a draw would suffice if Tunisia are unable to beat already qualified France.

Charged with confidence after outsmuscling Tunisia 1-0 for their first World Cup finals win since 2010, the Australians are determined that the breakthrough victory should not be wasted by a failure to turn up on Wednesday. 

“The result will mean nothing if we don’t get a result against Denmark,” said centre back Harry Souttar, who was outstanding against Tunisia.

“It’s going to be an incredible test ... it’s all on the line for both teams and it’s what you play football for, the big moments.”

Denmark are still paying the price for failing to score against Tunisia in their opening 0-0 draw, their position in the group becoming all the more parlous when they lost 2-1 to France in their second contest.

European championship semi-finalists last year and regular visitors to the knockout rounds of the World Cup, the Danes should have the quality to beat Australia if they can rediscover their scoring touch.

A win would probably be enough to progress given the unlikelihood that the even more goal-shy Tunisians will be able to upset even a second-string French side in Wednesday’s other Group D tie.

Tunisia vs France

France will look to strike the right balance between resting players and keeping their World Cup momentum going when they take on Tunisia in their final Group D game on Wednesday.

The defending champions qualified for the knockout rounds with a game to spare after a 4-1 win against Australia and a 2-1 win against Denmark, and a draw with Tunisia would guarantee them top spot.

Should they finish first, they will face the team who end up second in Group C, which features Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Poland and Mexico.

Coach Didier Deschamps is set to rest some of his key men and give fringe players minutes at the Education City Stadium.

Kylian Mbappe might be expected to be held back in reserve but the talismanic forward is chasing records in Qatar and Deschamps could give him some playing time to help him add to his seven World Cup goals - three of which were scored here.

Steve Mandanda is likely to start between the posts and Deschamps might also want to give Jules Kounde some time to adjust to the right back position after he replaced the disappointing Benjamin Pavard for the Denmark game.

Deschamps’ biggest decision will be whether Raphael Varane plays or not. The centre back returned from a hamstring injury for the second game and was substituted in the second half.

“I haven’t talked to the coach about it yet. We’ll think about what’s best for the team first, then we’ll see what’s best for me,” Varane told reporters.

Midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are likely to be rested as their role is the most physically demanding in the French system.

With Lucas Hernandez ruled out of the tournament due to a serious injury, his brother Theo is the only true left back in the squad.

In yesterday’s match, USA beat Iran by 1-0 while England beat Wales by 3-0 last night.

SOURCE: FIFA / NEWS AGENCIES