The tight-lipped Socceroos coach saw France defeat his side 2-1 in the opener, leaving Australia's hopes in Russia hanging by a thread.

He said it would be normal for France to beat Australia "maybe eight or nine times" out of 10 in the lead-up to the match.

So then, what does he expect against Denmark?

"They are not so high in the world ranking as France so you can count yourself," he said.

"You want me to say how many times but I will not tell that."

There was not much the Dutchman would say in the build-up to the do-or-die match at Cosmos Arena in Samara.

He wouldn't be drawn on tactics.

Or possible changes to his team.

Or the use of Tim Cahill.

Or his plan for Christian Eriksen.

"You can ask me those questions 100 times," he sighed, when asked of Denmark's star man.

"I know Eriksen because I already saw him in Holland and I saw him also in Tottenham. I know him."

What the former Netherlands national team coach did say, is that Australia's highly-ranked opponents would pose a significant challenge.

"The Danish, they are a strong team. They are number 12 in the world rankings, that says enough," he said.

"They have a strong team, physical strong, very tall players, that is a weapon.

"We played against France, they have I think more quality in the players and more creativity but I think the Danish are maybe more a team."

Australian Associated Press