2018 World Cup Betting Predictions: Denmark vs. Australia Odds

The Danes used a 59th-minute goal from Yussuf Poulsen to gain a major edge against the team with whom they’re competing for a spot in the Round of 16, and are expected to improve to 2-0 against an Australian side that gave France all it could handle before ultimately falling short in a 2-1 defeat.

World Cup 2018: Denmark vs. Australia Odds and Betting Analysis

Moneyline: Denmark -120

Date: Thursday, June 21, 8 a.m. ET

Samara Arena, Samara, Russia

The Danes are healthy favourites in this one, but at a price that makes them a tempting take given the gulf in talent between the two sides. Denmark qualified comfortably with a plus-12 goal differential out of UEFA Group E, and upended Peru despite getting outshot and losing the possession battle. Look for the Danes to work out the kinks and all but secure themselves a spot in the elimination round in this one.

Australia is a +353 underdog, but makes for an intriguing live underdog play after showing its mettle against the French. It took an 80th-minute own goal for France to escape with the victory – and while that might say more about Les Bleus than it does about the Socceroos, the Aussies did a great job of limiting opposition scoring chances. A similar defensive showing Thursday could make the under-2.5-goal option a nice gimme at -179.

Denmark

The Danes saw an almost level split of first- and second-half goals during World Cup qualifying, and has a potent enough offence to make good on those +231 odds of scoring at least one goal in each half. That also puts Denmark in good position to have a lead going into the break, a prop that pays a nifty +152. And if you’re looking for a chip shot based on this theme, you can take the over on 0.5 first-half goals at -189.

Australia

The Aussies managed just one shot on target against France, but can take heart in the fact that Peru finished with six shots on goal in its loss to the Danes. If you’re looking for a dark horse for Australia, consider Tomi Juric at +836; he was the odds-on favourite to lead his team in goals coming into the tournament. Mile Jedinak is a nice long-shot play at +1,595 after converting from the penalty spot vs. France for Australia’s only goal of the match.

Denmark vs. Australia Prediction

Denmark 2, Australia 1

Denmark’s offence should see more success here than it did in its opener, but the Socceroos won’t make life easy.