Socceroos rocked by worrying news ahead of shot at World Cup history

Coach Didier Deschamps has suggested he will make a number of changes to the French team ahead of their clash against Tunisia, which could have an impact on the Socceroos' bid to qualify for the knockout stages. Australia will be seeking a win against Denmark to advance to the knockout stages of the Qatar World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

OUCH: Cristiano Ronaldo cops huge blow in bid to claim teammate's goal

TENSIONS HIGH: South Korea coach sent off amid 'wild' World Cup scenes

A draw could also secure qualification if reigning world champs France defeat Tunisia on the other game. However, French coach Deschamps has admitted he will manage his squad with one-eye on the knockout stages in Qatar.

"We don't need to go out for the victory to get through, even though of course if you look at the probabilities we are probably going to win the group," Deschamps told reporters. "But this is an international match, a World Cup game, with an opponent who needs a result to get through to the next round.

"And Australia and Denmark will be playing as well for their qualification. So what we are going to do is we are going to try and get the best result possible.

"Obviously I am going to have to manage the squad ... there will be changes but I can't tell you exactly how many. We have had two matches in four days, remember that, so sometimes you need recovery."

This could favour Tunisia who need a win to advance. If Tunisia were to gain an upset against a slightly weakened French team, Australia would also need a win to advance due to their inferior goal difference.

Reports suggest Deschamps could make up to six or seven changes as he rests players on yellow cards and protects them from injury as they await their round of 16 opponents.

Australia focused on Denmark at World Cup

But Deschamps said he was mindful of keeping the momentum for his reigning title-holders and reports suggest Mbappe will still play in a bid to boost his chances of winning the golden boot.

"We have got some momentum building ... and that gives you a great feeling of confidence for your third match," he said. "And you can go about that third match differently, you can just focus on getting the best possible result but without the pressure of having to achieve a result.

"The match isn't going to change what we have done already and what we will do later on in the tournament. It's a World Cup game nonetheless, it's an international match. No, it's not vital, decisive for us. But I do think it's an important game and the players think so too."

However, the Socceroos are only focused on one job and that is taking all three points. Winger Matthew Leckie said the current batch of Socceroos were motivated by emulating the feats of their 2006 predecessors, the only Australian team to reach the knockout stages at a World Cup.

"When the Socceroos got out of the group in '06, I was a proud fan," he said. And now we have the opportunity to be players and do that.

"We can create something special, as the '06 team did. But in saying that, the other day when we got our result and won (against Tunisia), the first thing that was said was we haven't really done anything because there's still another game to go.

"And without another result it will mean nothing."

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.