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World Cup 2018: Does Australia still have a chance?
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The Sydney Morning Herald’s Dominic Bossi and The Age’s Michael Lynch talk soccer outside the Cosmos Arena in Samara, Russia.
Denmark
The Danes were fortunate to claim three points in their first game,
with a counter-attack goal and Peru missing a host of chances and a
penalty. An undeserved 1-0 result perhaps, but it relieves the pressure
from Denmark. They know another win will seal their spot in the second
round and it’s likely they will take the game to Australia and search
for an early lead. Most of their chances from their first game came
after quick transition and their counter attack will look to hurt the
Socceroos.
Winning mood: Morale remains good inside the Socceroos camp, captain Mile Jedinak says.
Winning mood: Morale remains good inside the Socceroos camp, captain Mile Jedinak says.
Photo: AAP
The key men
Christian Eriksen
Even when not at his best, Christian Eriksen is decisive. Denmark’s
star was far from his most intimidating in their opening round win over
Peru but still set-up the only goal of the game with a superb through
ball. He is fast, mobile, possesses an accurate passing game and can
score from distance. A danger from set pieces, he is the complete
modern-day attacking midfielder and will operate as the fulcrum of
Denmark’s attack.
Tom Rogic
Australia’s attacking X-factor should find more space and time on the
ball against Denmark than he did when being marked by France’s
defensive midfielder, N’Golo Kante. Rogic was kept quiet but will look
to find more space in the Socceroos’ second game. Australia’s coach,
Bert van Marwijk, wants his players to look for the runs and movement of
Rogic more to enable his attacking midfielder to have more impact.
Key battles
Simon Kjaer v Robbie Kruse
Robbie Kruse had little luck against France before being substituted,
but will have to use that experience to beat Denmark’s imposing
captain, Simon Kjaer. The Sevilla man is the rock of Denmark’s strong
defence, one that hasn’t been breached in their past five games,
stretching back to their 5-1 thrashing of Ireland in the qualifying
play-offs. Kruse starts out wide but will be instructed to cut inside as
Australia attacks on the counter where the experienced winger will look
to use his pace to beat Denmark’s defensive stalwart.
Thomas Delaney v Aaron Mooy
At the centre of Denmark’s industry and organisation sits the now
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Thomas Delaney. Opposite him is Australia’s
own hard-working playmaker. Mooy was arguably Australia’s best against
France, blocking their passing channels while also being the architect
of the Socceroos’ possession game. The tussle in the middle of the park
will crucial against Denmark, who should present more of a physical
challenge to the Socceroos and the centre midfielder that dominates
could decide the game.
Mile Jedinak v Christian Eriksen
Australia’s captain appeared certain to be dropped for last week’s
match against France only for coach Bert van Marwijk to make an about
five hours before kick-off. After keeping Paul Pogba at bay, Jedinak
will now be entrusted as the enforce to stop Tottenham’s red-hot Eriksen
– a man capable of scoring from distance, producing a killer pass and
finding space in the box.
In the dugout
Bert van Marwijk
The Socceroos coach remains tight-lipped on his selection policy and
there is a sense of mystery as to whether he will retain the same team
as the one that lost to France. There’s a chance Jackson Irvine and Tomi
Juric could be given their first starts at a World Cup but any change
will be tactical and not down to injury. The Dutchman was pleased with
the performance of his team, says he is developing a very close affinity
with the Australian players who he’s grown to admire deeply. In a
do-or-die clash against the Danes, one that’s already looming as a
must-win, van Marwijk will play for the result at all costs.
Age Hareide
Denmark’s coach finds himself in a relaxed position having somehow
escaped with three points against Peru but lost William Kvist who
suffered two broken ribs and a punctured lung in the first match. It
means Hareide will have to make one forced change to his line-up with
Lasse Schone the man most likely to start in his place. Centre back
Anders Christiansen was forced off in their opening game against Peru
but was cleared of a serious injury meaning Hareide will be spared from
having to make a defensive reshuffle as well.
The venue
Samara Arena
The city that was once the hub of Russia’s space program has a
stadium dedicated to its history. Built to look like a spaceship, or a
flying saucer, the Samara “Cosmos” Arena is one of the more intriguing
venues at the World Cup. The city itself is hardly a tourist destination
and required a new airport built for the tournament along with the
stadium. The Arena’s capacity is 45,500 and will be the permanent home
of newly promoted Russian Premier League side, Krylia Sovetov.
