Both these teams in the Australia vs Denmark preview have showed to be very solid, if unspectacular. Everyone is familiar with Australia now and recognise them to be a top team. Despite what some critics have observed of a fading “Golden Generation” and their struggles against New Zealand last week – winning only via a last minute goal – the Australians know a good scrap when they see one. There is still much fire in the bellies of veterans like Tim Cahill and all that experience from playing in Europe will serve them well. The only suspicion we have is of coach Pim Verbeek who appears sometimes to be trying to fit square pegs into round holes. Still his record is good since taking over.

Our pick below

Denmark shone during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers but not many made it clear that they struggled near the end and clawed their way through. Apart from their greatest moment with Peter Schmeichel in goal, they have not really provided much of a selling point and continue to rely on warhorse wingers like Dennis Rommedahl. But if it ain’t broke why fix it right? Their best attributes continue to lie in defence and the solid 2-0 win over Senegal showed that. The absence of Simon Kjaer through injury could be a blow but hard to determine until we see how they play a full match against quality teams without him.

Australia to grind out a result

Denmark may appear to have the greater credentials in this Australia vs Denmark match but to us, both teams are actually very similar both in terms of ability and quality. In fact, you may even find it hard to differentiate them although Denmark no doubt have the classier attacking players with emphasis on fast and tricky wingers. We still have our doubts over Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner because the guy has a very poor first touch but he seems to be always at the right place at the right time – although he has yet to snap up all the chances given him. Australia have a more uniform face to the team and it can be difficult to pick out individual matchwinners apart from the regulars like Cahill and Kewell, but the latter is likely to sit out due to injury. Verbeek also likes to experiment when there is not something at stake and with this could be it again.

Australia struggled against New Zealand but still managed the win. We expect them to do more of the same here although the logical choice would be for them not to lose. Denmark could be the more likely side to come up with the win due to the edge in terms of attacking quality but they have hardly played before the game against Senegal so there might be some time yet before every player gets back in his stride. We prefer to back Australia not to lose in this one perhaps with both equally organised teams canceling each other out.

Our pick: Australia