With all nations in the 2018 World Cup now having played two games each, things are beginning to formulate themselves into what happens next.
Most groups have a clear path as to who will, or will likely, qualify for the last 16, ahead of the last round of fixtures this week.
However one of the groups that is still undecided is Group C, with Australia and Denmark still battling it out for second place, behind France.
They could not be separated when they faced each other a week ago, with Mile Jedinak’s second penalty of the tournament cancelling out Christian Eriksen’s excellent early goal.
That leaves the situation finely poised ahead of the final round of games, with the balance in Denmark’s favour.
Denmark only need a point against France in Game 3, but Australia need to beat Peru, and hope that the goal difference tips back into their favour, for the Socceroos to make it through.
The Danes campaign began strongly, beating Peru 1-0, with an efficient and pragmatic performance against the speedy South Americans, but the draw against Australia has complicated things for them.
Defensively they have looked organised and physically capable at the back, with Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen and skipper Simon Kjaer marshalling the back line.
In central midfield, William Kvist and Thomas Delaney have created a defensive base to get the maximum output from the creativity of Eriksen.
However one of the most potent weapons, in both qualifying, and now in the tournament itself, has been the pacy and direct wing play of Yussuf Poulsen and Pione Sisto.
With Nicolai Jorgensen as the lone striker, he needs movement and creativity around him, and Poulsen and Sisto have provided it.
Youssef, who will actually be suspended for the France game, scored the key goal against Peru – showed an ability to run beyond the defensive line and execute a killer instinct.
He has showed a dogged defensive side to his game when needed, even if that has earned him a booking in each game so far, and that speed with which he changes into a defensive cog is important for Denmark’s defensive strategy.
On the other side, Sisto skill set is different, direct running and technically talented in one-on-one situations.
He has also adapted to the need for a defensive edge to his game, but he can cut inside, link up with Eriksen and score goals himself.
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