PERMUTATIONS: How things in Group D could unfold following Wednesday's games

Topics: FIFA World Cup, France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia, TV Schedules, TV Listings, Streaming info

With France already through to the next round, three teams will be battling for a spot in the Round of 16 this Wednesday.

A FIFA World Cup group featuring the defending champions, one of Europe's finest teams, an African side and the up and coming Australian side was bound to be sorted out on Matchday 3. We are almost there since France have already secured their spot in the next round, but all bets are off when it comes to the remaining three teams.

Surprisingly, Australia seem to have the upper hand over Denmark and Tunisia, as a draw would see them through to the next round almost without any problems. But can Tunisia rise to the occasion and defeat the defending champions and beat Australia to the second place of the lot?

First of all, let us have a look at the group prior to Wednesday's games.

Now, let us get to what each team needs as they are currently ranked.

France

Les Bleus are the only team that has already qualified to the next round in this group, thanks to their wins against Australia and Denmark. The only thing left for the team led by Didier Deschamps would be to finish the group stage unbeaten, which would happen if they can win or draw against Tunisia.

Australia

The Socceroos are closer than ever from breaking their unfortunate streak of first round exits, as they need a win against Denmark to secure a place in the next round. If they can't beat the Danish, then a draw would also help them through if Tunisia cannot beat France in the other game. A loss would also see them through to the next round, but that would only happen if Tunisia can't win their match against France.

Denmark

The European side will face elimination right in the eye one more summer in a row, just like they did in last year's Euro. The good thing for Kasper Hjumland's team is that a win would see them through to the next round, as long as Tunisia don't win against France by a wider margin. The bad news for Denmark come when they realize that a draw or a loss would see them leaving the competition right away.

Tunisia

The African side makes it to the last day of action in this group with a legitimate chance of reaching the next stage, but the main problem for them has to be facing the defending champions. Tunisia need to win their game by the widest possible margin and wait to see how things develop, and if Australia or Denmark can't match either their point tally or their goal difference, then Tunisia will reach the KO stage of the competition for the first time ever. Nevertheless, a loss or a draw would see them leaving the tournament after three matches, just like it has been for the Eagles of Carthage in all of their World Cup appearances.