France, buoyed by Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance, have made light work of Group D thus far.
Mbappe’s brace against Denmark on Matchday 2 was enough to see Les Bleus through to the round of 16 with the three other teams vying for the other qualifying spot in the final round of group fixtures.
Here’s how each of Australia, Denmark and Tunisia can join France in the 2022 World Cup round of 16.
Australia at the World Cup so far
Australia’s tournament began with Craig Goodwin stunning the holders nine minutes into France’s tournament opener. However, Goodwin’s strike awoke a free-flowing beast and Didier Deschamps’ side quickly overturned the deficit before eventually prevailing 4-1.
There was plenty to like about Australia’s Matchday 1 showing, however, and they subsequently recorded a massive victory over Tunisia on Matchday 2 thanks to Mitchell Duke’s smart header to leave them second in the group with a game to spare.
What do Australia need to qualify?
Victory over Denmark would arguably be Australia’s most significant in their World Cup history as it would be enough to see them through. A draw would also be enough unless Tunisia stun France on Matchday 3.
Denmark at the World Cup so far
The Euro 2020 semi-finalists were the projected dark horses of many, but Kasper Hjulmand’s side are yet to reach their apex in Qatar.
The Danes were frustrated by a physical and aggressive Tunisia in their Matchday 1 stalemate before Mbappe struck twice to sink them on Matchday 2. Andreas Christensen had restored parity against the holders in the second half before the PSG superstar bundled home the winner with a few minutes remaining.
What do Denmark need to qualify?
Denmark have to beat Australia in their final group game to progress alongside France. However, if both Denmark and Tunisia win, second place will be decided via FIFA’s tie-breaker rules.
Tunisia at the World Cup so far
Inspired by Aissa Laïdouni’s thumping challenge on Christian Eriksen early on in the contest, Tunisia kept Denmark at bay in their World Cup opener.
However, their hopes of progressing into the knockout phase were dealt a huge blow as they were then beaten 1-0 by Australia.
What do Tunisia need to qualify?
The North African outfit must beat Group D leaders France on Matchday 3 to have any chance of progressing. They’ll be guaranteed of second place if they defeat Les Bleus and Denmark vs Australia ends in a draw.
If Tunisia and Denmark win, goal difference will determine who advances, while an Australia victory will see Tunisia crash out no matter their result against France.
Credit: 90min.com
