Denmark just need a point against France to join their European rivals in the World Cup round of 16.
France are top of group C with six points from their two matches while the Danes are on four points with one win and a draw. They play each other today at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
It’s also possible for Australia to reach the last 16 but they must beat Peru at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi and hope the other result goes their way.
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Denmark coach Age Hareide said his side are going for the win against France and not just the point they require to qualify.
He told Sky Sports: “I know one point will be enough but that’s not a good way to start the match. If you put that into your players’ heads there will be passiveness in the team and that’s not good.”
Group C permutations
Fifa.com explains the permutations in group C:
- France have already qualified and will finish top with a point against Denmark
- A point will also be enough to send Denmark through in second spot
- Denmark will win the group if they beat France
- If Australia lose or draw then Denmark will qualify
- For Australia to qualify they must win against Peru then hope Denmark lose and also beat the Danes’ goal difference
- Peru are already eliminated
Denmark vs. France
- When: Tuesday 26 June
- Kick-off time: 3pm
- Where: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
- TV channel: live on ITV
The Daily Telegraph reports that Denmark midfielder William Kvist will miss out against France because of a rib injury. Yussuf Poulsen will miss the clash because of suspension.
France may rest defender Samuel Umtiti, who is suffering with a thigh strain. If Umtiti does miss out then his place could go to Adil Rami.
Head coach Didier Deschamps could also rest midfield trio Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi and Corentin Tolisso because they all risk being booked and missing the next match.
Sky Sports reports that Raphael Varane could captain the side as regular skipper - goalkeeper Hugo Lloris - is likely to be rested and replaced by Steve Mandanda.
Deschamps said: “I have 23 players. They can all have a role to play and start a match. There are no risks. If they’re here it’s because they’re ready to play.”
Denmark vs. France predicted starting XIs
How the teams could line up at the Luzhniki Stadium, according to Fifa.com:
- Denmark (4-3-3): Kasper Schmeichel; Henrik Dalsgaard, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Jens Stryger Larsen; Lasse Schone, Thomas Delaney, Christian Eriksen; Andreas Cornelius, Martin Braithwaite, Nicolai Jorgensen
- France (4-3-3): Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez; Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante, Corentin Tolisso; Nabil Fekir, Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Lemar
Australia vs. Peru
- When: Tuesday 26 June
- Kick-off time: 3pm
- Where: Fisht Stadium, Sochi
- TV channel: live on ITV4
It’s a do-or-die clash for Australia and head coach Bert van Marwijk has urged his squad to “reward” themselves for their displays so far in World Cup group C.
The Socceroos must beat already eliminated Peru and Van Marwijk told ESPN: “We have to reward ourselves for the work we do and the way we play, what we’ve showed the world. Everybody is positive. Now we have to reward ourselves.”
As well as beating Peru, Australia must hope that France beat Denmark. Van Marwijk trusts that Didier Deschamps’ team will also play for a win despite having already secured qualification.
Van Marwijk added: “The players of France also have their own pride. They won twice but they didn’t play well and they want to prove to the whole world they are one of the best teams. I believe they will do their utmost best [against Denmark].”
Australia will hope that forward Andrew Nabbout will be fit after he dislocated his shoulder against Denmark.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Peru are expected to be without forward Jefferson Farfan because of concussion. Midfielder Renato Tapia is expected to return after he also suffered concussion.
Australia vs. Peru predicted starting XIs
How the teams could line up at the Fisht Stadium, according to Fifa.com:
- Australia (4-2-3-1): Mathew Ryan; Josh Risdon, Trent Sainsbury, Mark Milligan, Aziz Behich; Mile Jedinak, Aaron Mooy; Mathew Leckie, Tom Rogic, Robbie Kruse; Tomi Juric
- Peru (4-2-3-1): Pedro Gallese; Luis Advincula, Christian Ramos, Anderson Santamaria, Miguel Trauco; Renato Tapia, Yoshimar Yotun; Andre Carrillo, Christian Cueva, Edison Flores; Paolo Guerrero
