With the two nations due to meet in the group stage in Russia on June 21, Denmark are counting on beating Australia to boost their hopes of progression, with highly-fancied France and Peru the other obstacles in their path.
“When the draw was first made the Danish players and public were very happy with their group,” said the twice-capped AGF midfielder, who hopes to make a late charge into coach Bert van Marwijk’s preliminary squad of 35 to be announced in the middle of May.
“They pretty much said if they don’t get past the group it’s a disaster for the country.
“So it’s fair to say they’re feeling quite confident.
“They’ve got the likes of Christian Eriksen, whose one of the best players in the world, and a lot of players based in good European leagues.
"But us Aussies have a never-say-die attitude and in a football game anything can happen.
“When it comes down to it, I don’t think they will underestimate us.”
While featuring under Ange Postecoglou, Amini, 24, missed out on selection for van Marwijk’s initial games in charge against Norway and Colombia last month.
But he was on his way back from injury at that point, and believes he can still attract the eye of the Dutchman in the countdown to Russia.
He’s in electric form with two clever assists in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Silkeborg.
Endelig fik Martin Pusic åbnet sin aarhusianske målkonto. Og se lige hvor glad han blev for det og for #ultratwitteragf 💪❤️ Få Pusic' og David Nielsens reaktion på #agfsif på AGF TV lige her 👉 https://t.co/JV9fMBIsUP #ksdh pic.twitter.com/Yn6sHSn22p — AGF (@AGFFodbold) April 8, 2018
Last month, Amini - who plays a holding role for his club - went head to head with Danish international William Kvist, the skipper of FC Copenhagen.
“It was a nice little battle to see where I’m at,” he said.
“My hope and goal is to continue playing week in week out, and get a call up for that preliminary squad.
“I’m still being monitored by the Socceroo staff and hopefully Bert van Marwijk saw last week’s game and the two assists.”
Though aware he’s up against stiff competition for midfield spots for his country, Amini believes there is possibly one slot still up for grabs.
“It’s going to be hard to conquer with Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Massimo Luongo and Jackson Irvine, but I feel there is a place to be fought for and hopefully I’m the guy to take that spot.
“The Danish league is tough - the calibre of teams is good and I’ve been here three years now playing a lot of games. And I’ve never been fitter.
“I played a few minutes off the bench for Australia against Japan last year and it’s given me a taste for international football.
“There’s no reason why I can’t make the squad to Russia. I just have to show I deserve it.
“I was coming back from injury last month and I didn’t get picked, and that’s fair play to van Marwijk.
“The last five games I’ve played 90 minutes in each and hopefully I’ll get noticed and the ultimate dream is to be on that plane to Russia.
“I feel I’m not far off ... it’s just about being given the chance.”
