Australia will play Denmark in a friendly in South Africa on 1 June as part of their preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Football Federation Australia announced today.

The meeting will ensure the Socceroos have a thorough workout in the lead-up to the tournament. Pim Verbeek's men already have friendly fixtures booked with New Zealand in Melbourne on 24 May and the United States in South Africa on 5 June.

They are strong, physical and skilful which will benefit our preparation greatly.
Australia coach Pim Verbeek on playing Denmark in a friendly.

The Socceroos will play their first 2010 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Germany on 13 June in Durban.

"Denmark is another World Cup-qualified team that also plays a similar style to the opposition we will face in South Africa," said Verbeek. "They are strong, physical and skilful which will benefit our preparation greatly," he added.

"Denmark have also drawn a tough group with the Netherlands, Japan and Cameroon, so playing against us will also be very important to them.

"(Denmark head coach) Morten Olsen was a fantastic player and is a very experienced coach, so we expect to face a very well-organised and structured team on the first of June."

The two sides have met once before with Denmark recording a 3-1 victory in London back in 2007.