The Socceroos take on Denmark in Copenhagen as the Australians prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Oman next week. It’s also an important game for the Danes as they head into Euro 2012. We’ll have live scores and blog from 1am AEST for the Socceroos vs Denmark clash.
The last time these two teams met was at Ruimsig Stadium outside of Johannesburg in the lead up to the 2010 World Cup when a Josh Kennedy header was enough for the Socceroos to claim a 1-0 win.
However Kennedy will be missing heading into the rematch with the Danes as coach Holger Osieck has allowed him to finish his club commitments with Nagoya Grampus before joining the team in Oman next week. Brett Holman is also missing with his wife due to give birth.
The Socceroos will also be without midfielder Carl Valeri who’s team Sassuolo are hosting Sampdoria as part of the Italian Serie A playoffs.
Denmark were torn apart by Brazil last week thanks to a poor defensive display in a 3-1 loss with question marks on what kind of test they will provide the Australians.
Denmark finished top of their Euro 2012 qualifying group with strong performances, but their reward is a place in Euro’s Group B along side the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal – surely the group of death.
One player to watch will be Ajax’s 20-year-old attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen who is coming off the back of a stellar club season and will be a tricky opponent for the Socceroos’ defence.
With Osieck set to cull two players from the squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers next week, who will stake a claim for a spot? We’ll bring you live scores and commentary from 1am AEST.
Johnno
Guest
Oman in hot weather oman is going to be tough, and so will Japan at suncorp. I am nervous about both legs have a bad feeling. Going to be tough o back up for Japan at home with jet lag, i feel very shaky about this group, we need a draw at least in Oman pick up a point.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Apart from the opening 10 minutes & the final 20 minutes when Holger changed the team, I thought the lads played some terrific football & created numerous chances. Brosque could have had 2, H had 1-on-1 he should have put away, Bresc had a couple of efforts that were turned wide by the GK. Our defending was rubbish - Spiranovic & North were particularly bad. We were missing Rhys-Williams, Holman, Kennedy & Valeri - which is nearly 1/2 the outfield players. The defence needs to be much better organised but, other than that, a terrific workout. Certainly more inspiring than when AUS beat DEN 1-0 prior to the 2010 WC. This was a practice match & Holger would have learnt a lot from it.
Stevo
Guest
Bring back the team of 2006!
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Referee Antonio Damato goes "peep peep" and Denmark have defeated the Socceroos 2-0. Socceroos can find some positives out of this game, but they'll need to be a lot better in Oman next week.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Daniel Wass shoots over from outside the box in what should be the final kick of the game.
Midfielder
Guest
Looked like Pim was back in charge... Bresh & H our best
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
There'll be two minutes of extra time as the game slows down. Denmark dominating possession in the final stages.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
But they are much better on the ball.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
More changes for both teams as Kilkenny comes on for Bresciano.
Hbomb@hotmail.com
Guest
Have to say north and McKay are not better defenders then lowry and mgowan. Ruka better then archie
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Now Rommedahl takes a shot as he drives through Carney's legs but Schwarzer saves.
Midfielder
Guest
When is Ruka going to get a run...
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Spiranovic's difficult game gets worse as his back pass is intercepted by Bendtner who puts his shot wide when one on one with Schwarzer,
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
More Socceroos changes as Kewell and Wilkshire come off for Kruse and Cahill.
Johnno
Guest
Goal Denmark 2-0. Swarcher now starting to show his age Kewell off.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
2-0 Denmark Bjelland heads past Schwarzer. The Socceroos have been better in the first half, it's not by much.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Socceroos changes - Thompson and Jedinak off Carney and Milligan on
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Agger off for Okore.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Brosque through on goal again, Wilkshire playing the ball through the centre of the Danish defence with the outside of his boot. However Brosque's touch is a tad heavy and Andersen comes off his line to cut out the danger.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
It was a classy little header from Kewell that sent Brosque away. The Victory striker has very much grown into this game.