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FOOTBALL

Schmeichel says Denmark do not fear Australian fans

Kasper Schmeichel said Denmark would not be fazed by the number of Australian fans supporting their team in a "tough" World Cup clash in Samara as they target a place in the knockout phase.

Schmeichel says Denmark do not fear Australian fans
Kasper Schmeichel training in Samara. Photo: REUTERS/David Gray/Ritzau Scanpix

The Scandinavian side kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win against Peru, in which the goalkeeper pulled off a string of fine saves before forward Yussuf Poulsen hit the winner.

Australia are under pressure after a 2-1 opening defeat to France, despite impressive support from fans dressed in green and gold.

The Socceroos expect more of the same after thousands of fans made the five-hour taxi ride to Samara from Kazan — instead of flying west to Moscow then back east again — but Schmeichel is not concerned.

He expects a battling display from Bert van Marwijk's men, but said the Danes are ready to take a step towards the last 16.

“Australia had a really good game against France. They were unlucky not to get something from the game,” said Leicester's Schmeichel, the son of Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel.

“They've got some good players, they're very organised, very compact when they defend, good creative players with speed on the wings. We're expecting a really tough game.”

He added: “We've seen that some teams have a huge backing… but it doesn't make a difference to us. At the end of the day it's 11 men versus 11 on the pitch.”

After an impressive defensive display against France, Van Marwijk is hoping the Socceroos create more chances.

Goalscorer Poulsen believes Denmark can play better and said playing “away from home” in the World Cup will not trouble them.

“Last time it was like we were playing away from home,” he said. “People were more worried last time against Peru than they will be tomorrow against Australia.

“We got the three points, that gives us confidence and it helps us towards the next match.”

He said the mental aspect could make all the difference, adding: “If you're mentally ready, you're willing to go the extra mile.”

Denmark's match against Australia kicks off at 2pm Danish time on Thursday.

READ ALSO: More on Denmark in the World Cup

RACISM

VIDEO: Spain’s La Liga reviews video of boy racially abusing Vinicius

Spain's La Liga on Monday said it was reviewing a video of a child making racist insults towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during the 2-2 draw with Valencia at the weekend.

VIDEO: Spain's La Liga reviews video of boy racially abusing Vinicius

“We’re in the process of studying and analysing the facts from a legal standpoint to see what we can and should do,” La Liga sources said.

In a video published by a journalist for ESPN Brasil, and picked up by Spanish media, a boy sitting in a woman’s lap can be heard calling Vinicius a “monkey”.

The Brazilian scored twice for Madrid as his team recovered from two goals down at Mestalla on Saturday.

Vinicius raised his fist in a “Black Power” salute after the first of his two goals at a ground where he was racially abused last season. Valencia subsequently banned three people from the stadium for life.

The 23-year-old has become a symbol of the fight against discrimination in Spanish football after suffering racist abuse on many occasions, and he was jeered repeatedly by home supporters on Saturday.

Jude Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle against Valencia for protesting after the referee blew the final whistle right before the England midfielder headed home what he thought was the winning goal.

READ ALSO: Football star Vinicius highlights racist behaviour from Spanish fans

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