Denmark vs. Australia odds & betting tips – World Cup 2018

AUSTRALIAN fans are still fuming about the controversial VAR decision that cost their heroes a well-deserved point against France.

The Socceroos will have to put that behind them as they look ahead to their second fixture in Group C at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

For all the hustle and bustle against Les Bleus, there remain big questions over Australia’s ability to generate scoring opportunities in open play.

Slow, tentative build-ups gave Andrew Nabbout and Tomi Juric little to work with on Saturday, leaving set pieces as the only likely avenue to goal.

The search for a creative spark could see 19-year-old Daniel Arzani make his first start on the international stage.

There was some concern over the Melbourne City prodigy after he collided with Tim Cahill in training this week, but both are fit and available for Thursday’s clash in Samara.

Denmark are heavily favoured to progress from the group despite a less-than-convincing display in their opener against Peru.

The South Americans had more shots and greater possession, yet it was the Danes who stumbled over the line with a lone strike from Yussuf Poulsen.

Compared to Australia’s patchwork of A-League stars, lower-league battlers and clubless journeymen, Age Hareide’s squad is positively packed with household names from the big leagues of Europe.

Most of the top-end talent resides in a stubborn defence that includes Chelsea centre-half Andreas Christensen, Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and well-travelled skipper Simon Kjaer.

The Danish midfield and attack revolve around Christian Eriksen – the only man in the squad with more than eight international goals to his name.

The Tottenham Hotspur man can expect close attention from Mile Jedinak and the Socceroos defence.

Daniel Arzani goalscorer odds

Odds courtesy of Sportsbet

• Anytime goalscorer – +650
• Arzani goal/Australia win – +1400
• First goalscorer – +1800

Whether or not he makes the starting XI remains to be seen, but Arzani could be Australia’s wildcard in Samara. He showed glimpses of his quick feet and direct running late on against France, and that positive mindset could be the difference between a good outcome and another valiant failure. Bookmakers are paying big odds for the teen sensation to hit the score sheet, even though he already has an international goal to his name.

Best bets for the Socceroos

Odds courtesy of Sportsbet

• Australia +1.0 handicap – -109.89
• Both teams to score – +110
• Australia draw no bet – +260

Both of these teams must sense an opportunity. Victory would all but guarantee Denmark a place in the second round, while a win would put Australia back in the driver’s seat. Look for both sides to play with more intent than they did first up, with plenty of activity in either penalty box. The Socceroos need only improve a little on their effort against France to cause the Danes some real problems.