Blow by blow: Denmark vs Australia
One of the themes of the opening round of games was the impressive display of what the outright odds would consider the ‘second tier’ of European teams. Sweden, Serbia and Denmark all picked up solidly impressive wins, while Switzerland could be mighty pleased with their 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Denmark’s midfielder Christian Eriksen speaks to the press after a training session on June 12, 2018, in Vityazevo ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament. / AFP PHOTO / Jonathan NACKSTRAND
Denmark’s win over Peru may only have been by a goal to nil but was arguably the most impressive of these displays and they look must-bet material at 10/11 against an Australia team that managed to frustrate France for long periods but are short of real quality at both ends of the pitch.
No Australia side in any sport is ever going to just lie down and make things easy for their opponent, but the World Cup isn’t meant to be easy. Denmark are simply a far better football team and look overpriced at close to even money.
Australia expended an awful lot of endeavour against France, ultimately for nothing, and it’s sure to have taken something out of them. It’ll be tough to go again, especially against such a skilful, difficult side as Denmark.
The Danes beat Poland 4-0 and the Republic of Ireland 5-1 during qualification, and it would be a stretch to argue that Australia are better than either of those sides.
If Denmark are on it, then this could be a long afternoon for the Australians. Denmark might not score 481, but they could certainly get four or five. There definitely seems to have been an overreaction to Australia’s stubborn display against France and some of the bigger correct scorelines look tempting here.
Denmark have won 4-0 and 4-1 twice apiece in 25 competitive games since the last World Cup and splitting small takes on those correct scores at 40/1 apiece could reap rewards.
If you’re looking for something else at a big price, then 16/1 for Christian Eriksen to score two or more is probably a few points too big. He’s done so in three of his last 19 internationals.
- Denmark to win at 10/11
- Denmark to win 4-0 at 40/1 and Denmark to win 4-1 at 40/1
