Australia will face Denmark on June 21 at the FIFA World Cup after the two sides were drawn together in Group C on Saturday.
Speaking to SBS after the draw, Hareide was confident his side could get the better of the Socceroos.
“Of course France are favourites in the group. We don’t know much about Peru and Australia. We know a little bit, we have to study them more closely and see what we’re up against," Hareide said.
"I think we can fancy our chances against them. It’ll be very interesting to play them."
Denmark are returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2014, while they also failed to qualify for Euro 2016.
It was after that qualification failure in 2015 that Hareide took over and with world-class playmaker Christian Eriksen at the helm, the 64-year-old managed to seal Denmark's place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a resounding 5-1 play-off victory against Ireland.
Eriksen, along with the likes of Chelsea's Andreas Christensen, Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel and one time Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner are the headline names in the Danish squad, it seems Hareide was largely unaware of Australia's players.
When asked what players from Australia's team he could name only one came to mind.
“Ah Cahill. Tim Cahill. I met Australia with Norway when I had the Norwegian side, I think it was played out in 2006 or 2007 in England and Tim Cahill played. He was a really good player."
Hareide is most likely referring to Australia's 2-2 draw with Norway at Craven Cottage in 2004 where Tim Cahill finished off a sweet pass from Marco Bresciano to make it 1-1.
Hareide admitted he would have to watch some more videos of Australia and get a better understanding of the way the Socceroos play.
"They (Australia) are always very competitive. I know they are an experienced side. So it will be interesting. But we have to look a little bit closer (at Australia)."
