The Best Bet: Australia to pile pressure on Denmark with three points against Peru

Australia are still in the race to finish second and progress to the knockout phase of a World Cup finals for only the second time in five attempts.

The Socceroos have picked up one point from their opening two group games but are unfortunate not to have more.

Australia were desperately unlucky to lose to France in their group opener and were disappointed only to draw against Denmark after finishing the 1-1 stalemate strongly.

Bert van Marwijk’s side face Peru on Tuesday afternoon and know they need three points and a favour from France to have any chance of prolonging their stay in Russia.

Peru are already eliminated but have played better than their points haul of 0 suggests. The South Americans have been one of the best supported countries at the 2018 World Cup and they have been a breath of fresh air in Russia.

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However, Ricardo Gareca’s side are one of only two nations yet to score at the 2018 World Cup, which should give Australia further encouragement in Sochi.

Australia are winless in their last five World Cup finals matches but have been competitive in all but one of those.

Now they need a win more than ever to advance to the knockout stage and are priced at 3.25 with Betfred to secure three points over a Peru side with nothing left to play for.