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How the Socceroos can get out of Group C at the World Cup

The Socceroos need to defeat Peru on Tuesday night to have any chance of making their way through to the World Cup knockout stage for the second time in the nation’s history.

But that’s not the end of the permutations as Group D winners Croatia wait following their stunning demolition of Argentina.

Australia’s 1-1 draw with Denmark overnight kept alive their slim hopes before France defeated Peru 1-0.

That result simultaneously booked the Europeans their place in the next round and ended the South Americans’ dream, setting the stage for a nervy night for Australia.

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When the clock strikes midnight AEST as Tuesday turns to Wednesday, Denmark will kick off their clash with France in Moscow knowing a draw will be enough to stay ahead of the Socceroos and reach the round of 16 for the first time since 2002.

At the same time, some 1600 kilometres south in Sochi, Australia will come out all guns blazing seeking a win against Peru – while keeping their fingers crossed that France will continue to improve and score a victory over Denmark.

One-nil wins to Australia and France would put the Aussies and Danes on four points apiece and with the same goal difference of zero.

So who goes through?

Will Jedinak lead the Socceroos to a date with Croatia? Pic: Getty
Will Jedinak lead the Socceroos to a date with Croatia? Pic: Getty

Well, after points and goal difference, the next tiebreaker is goals scored.

The two teams have scored twice each so far – so if Denmark fail to hit the back of the net against France and Australia win, they will go through.

But what if the Socceroos win 1-0 and Denmark score one goal in a defeat, or if the Socceroos score two in a win and Denmark two in a loss and so on?

The 1-1 draw between Australia and Denmark overnight means the next few tiebreakers are skipped, and FIFA would head right to the teams’ fair play records.

That means calculating all the yellow cards and red cards to determine which team was more disciplined.

After two games, Denmark have been issued four yellow cards and Australia three. There is no doubt the Danes will play it safe against France to avoid coming out on the wrong end of that scenario.

Given the low scores in the group so far there is a strong possibility it could come down to fair play.

While the Socceroos scored four goals against the Czech Republic and two goals against Hungary in pre-tournament friendlies, their efforts in competitive matches haven’t been so strong.

Case in point: Mile Jedinak has scored the team’s last five goals and four of them have come from the penalty spot.

But Peru play an open brand of football and, if the Socceroos attack with vigour there should be more than enough chances to secure victory and a date with Croatia at 4am AEST on July 1.