‘Socceroos not playing for draw in crucial World Cup game’

🌟 Qatar WorldCup 2022

✳ TODAY
⚽ Tunisia vs France 6pm (UBC TV)
⚽ Australia vs Denmark 6pm
⚽ Poland vs Argentina 10pm
⚽ Saudi Arabia vs Mexico 10pm

Canberra, Australia | Xinhua | Australia head coach Graham Arnold has declared his side will not play for a draw in their crucial upcoming FIFA World Cup match.

The Socceroos play Denmark on Wednesday afternoon, with a draw enough to send Australia into the round of 16 for the first time since 2006.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, Arnold said the Socceroos would approach the game with the same intent as in their win against Tunisia, ruling out playing for a stalemate.

“I have never coached to draw in my life. It’s about going out and being on the front foot like we were for 30 minutes against France and for 60 minutes against Tunisia,” he said.

“Now it’s time for 90 percent or 100 percent against Denmark and making sure we remove any sloppy mistakes.”

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The Socceroos beat Tunisia 1-0 on Saturday – Australia’s first win at a men’s World Cup since 2010 – putting them second in Group D behind France heading into match day three.

Arnold said significantly changing tactics or lineups at this stage in the tournament could cause confusion for the key clash.

However, right-back Nathaniel Atkinson is expected to return to the starting 11 after recovering from an ankle injury that ruled the 23-year-old out of the Tunisia game.

It is the second consecutive men’s World Cup where Australia will play Denmark.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the two nations played out a thrilling 1-1 draw where the Socceroos held the majority of possession and registered more shots on goal.

The second-placed team in Group D will play the winner of Group C – most likely Poland or Argentina – in the round of 16. ■