Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden starred to send England through to the World Cup knockout stage as Group B winners after a 3-0 victory over Wales on Tuesday.
Victory sets up a last-16 clash with Group A runners-up Senegal on Sunday for England, while Wales crashed out in Qatar without a win for the first time in a major tournament.
Foden started at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium after being left out of the goalless draw with the United States on Friday and won the free-kick for Rashford to break the deadlock in the 50th minute.
Manchester City star Foden extended the lead just a minute later before Rashford doubled his account to eliminate an uninspiring Wales from Group B, in which the USA beat Iran to progress as runners-up.
Rashford spurned a glorious ninth-minute opportunity after being denied by the onrushing Danny Ward, who replaced the suspended Wayne Hennessey.
England continued to dominate possession without testing Ward often as Foden blasted over on the turn, while Joe Allen angled a rare Wales chance off target before the break.
A masterful Foden drive ended with an England free-kick in an inviting position before Rashford whipped into the top-right corner to beat an unsighted Ward.
Harry Kane drilled across the area from the right soon after for Foden to convert at the back post, before Jordan Pickford parried from Kieffer Moore to keep Wales at bay.
Ward was again beaten with somewhat ease as Rashford powered through the legs of the goalkeeper, who denied Jude Bellingham to keep the scoreline down late on.
What does it mean? England continue Wales dominance to book last-16 berth
The pressure ramped upon England after an underwhelming showing in the USA stalemate but Southgate's side responded well in their first World Cup meeting with a fellow British side.
England remained patient throughout and reaped well-deserved rewards in a rapid second-half opening to ensure a seventh straight victory over Wales, scoring 14 and conceding just one in that run.
Knockout football is where England have impressed in recent years and Southgate will know it is time to deliver again, while Wales head home after disappointing in just their second appearance in the tournament.
Rashford redemption
Rashford will have been frustrated to chip a presentable opening at the incoming Ward in what proved to be England's best first-half chance.
But the forward made amends after the interval with two goals, while recording game-leading figures for touches in the opposition box (eight), shots (six) and attempts on target (four) in an encouraging showing.
Bale missing on the world stage
Gareth Bale had the fewest touches of any Wales players to complete 90 minutes in both games against the USA and Iran, though a penalty in the first outing somewhat sheltered the Wales captain from criticism.
The 33-year-old was again largely a passenger in the Middle East against England, managing just four passes and seven touches – both the fewest of any player to start – before his half-time removal.
What's next?
England face Senegal in five days at Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, while Wales will take time to reflect on an unsuccessful global campaign.
Christian Pulisic was decisive as the United States beat Iran 1-0 to secure their place in the last 16 of the World Cup as geopolitics briefly took a back seat at Al Thumama Stadium.
Due to the long-strained relationship between the two countries politically and the ongoing civil unrest in Iran, the build-up to Tuesday's Group B clash was dominated by talk of almost anything but football.
Once the game settled, however, the USA's superiority was abundantly clear and Iran were fortunate to only trail by Pulisic's goal at the break, with Timothy Weah having one disallowed.
Carlos Queiroz's side did at least manage a shot after the break, but the USA had enough to see out a slender – albeit deserved – victory and set up a last-16 clash with Group A winners the Netherlands.
After an emotionally charged opening that saw both sides show purpose, the USA began to probe with the greater regularity.
Weah let Iran off the hook just before the half-hour, taking an early header – which led to an easy save – unaware he had time for the ball to drop.
Pulisic gave Alireza Beiranvand no chance 10 minutes later, though.
Sergino Dest headed Weston McKennie's exquisite pass into the danger zone and Pulisic slammed home while colliding with Beiranvand, ultimately forcing the Chelsea man off at the interval.
Weah strayed just offside before scoring what he thought was the USA's second, and half-time substitute Saman Ghoddos almost capitalised as he headed over just after the break.
Iran enjoyed a lot of late pressure but their efforts did not yield an equaliser, with Morteza Pouraliganji heading agonisingly wide and Mehdi Taremi failing to convert from close range in stoppage time.
Aliou Cisse paid tribute to the absent Sadio Mane after Senegal booked their World Cup last-16 spot with a 2-1 win over Ecuador on Tuesday.
The Lions of Teranga leapfrogged their opponents into second in Group A as goals from Ismaila Sarr and Kalidou Koulibaly sealed their progression to the knockout stage for the first time since 2002.
The result also saw Senegal become the first African nation to beat a South American side at the World Cup since Cameroon overcame Colombia in 1990, ending a 21-game winless run.
Senegal's talisman Mane was ruled out of Qatar 2022 after suffering a leg injury for Bayern Munich in the build-up to the tournament, but Cisse's thoughts quickly turned to the forward in the aftermath of his side's huge win.
"I would like to dedicate this victory to a man who is doing extraordinary things for the country, who is unfortunately not here today. This man is called Sadio Mane," he said.
Senegal face the winner of Group B on Sunday, and Cisse says his side will be well-prepared for any opponent.
"We don't know who we're going to come up against in the round of 16 – it could be England, it could be Wales, Iran, USA, anyone," Cisse added.
"Then that will be a new stage for us. We know that we are moving to the knockout stage, which is completely different from what we are used to playing in these types of [group] matches.
"Everyone is a good team, the best teams in the world that are competing. Therefore, we need to be prepared to come up against any side.
"It is now a win or lose situation, there are no second chances – if you win, you go through, if you lose, you go home.
"So for the moment, we are just going to concentrate on resting and getting fit for the next game, it is simple as that."
Ecuador head coach Gustavo Alfaro lamented the fine margins that saw his side miss out on the last 16 and confirmed he needs some time to decide whether he will remain in the job.
"The margin of error was meagre and small details made the difference," he said after seeing Moises Caicedo's second-half equaliser followed by Koulibaly's winner just moments later.
"We made key mistakes in the game. The pain of this defeat does not need to overshadow the achievements of this side, and we hope the experience serves them well in the future."
Asked about his own position, the Argentine added: "I need time to know what I am going to do with my professional career."
After just a pair of games each, it has already been an up and down World Cup for two of the best players on the planet.
Poland's Robert Lewandowski was the villain on matchday one as he saw a tame penalty saved in the 0-0 draw with Mexico, before redemption as he claimed his first ever World Cup goal in the 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Lionel Messi scored his penalty in Argentina's first game, though was unable to stop his team from suffering a humiliating 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, but then his exquisite strike set La Albiceleste on their way to a 2-0 win against Mexico.
These two superstars will surely be front and centre when they clash in their final game of Group C on Wednesday.
Victory for either will confirm their passage to the knockout stage, with a draw also good enough for the Poles.
A defeat would eliminate Argentina, with a draw leaving them sweating on the outcome of Saudi Arabia v Mexico.
History could be on their side, though, with their last meeting at a World Cup coming in 1978, where Argentina won 2-0 before going on to lift the trophy for the first time (Poland won their only other World Cup clash 3-2 in 1974).
Lionel Scaloni's men will have their work cut out though, with Poland having kept a clean sheet in each of their last three World Cup games, including both in Qatar so far despite facing 27 shots (nine on target).
Poland are looking to qualify from their World Cup group for the first time since the 1986 tournament under Antoni Piechniczek, and they last went unbeaten in all three matches in their first round group in 1982.
Following his match-winning performance against Mexico, Messi said: "Another World Cup started for us today... We can't give up now; we have finals from this point on and can't make a mistake."
Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz said after Lewandowski's maiden World Cup strike "one player will not win the match alone".
He could be right, but if ever there were a contest to prove whether he is, it might just be this one.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Poland – Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski (50) was the player with most goals scored among players in the top five European leagues in all competitions last season, ahead of Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema (44).
The Barcelona striker cut a frustrated figure against Mexico, but was key in their win against Saudi Arabia, grabbing a goal and an assist.
Lewandowski is the only Polish player to have attempted more than two shots so far (seven), while no team-mate has created more chances than his three, level with Piotr Zielinski.
Argentina – Lionel Messi
Despite people daring to suggest Messi's powers are waning, he remains his country's talisman.
The 35-year-old has scored in six successive appearances for Argentina in all competitions, his joint-longest scoring run for his national side (also six between November 2011 and September 2012), while he now has as many World Cup goals as Diego Maradona (eight), with only Gabriel Batistuta (10) netting more for Argentina at the tournament overall.
PREDICTION
Despite Poland leading the way in Group C, Opta make Argentina favourites for this one, with Scaloni's side having a 64.8 per cent chance of winning at Stadium 974.
Poland have just a 13.8 per cent chance of victory, but they will also be satisfied with a draw, which has a 21.4 per cent chance of occurring.
Mexico always reach the last 16 of the World Cup. It is just what they do. Progress beyond that point has been the issue.
But El Tri head into their final Group C fixture at Lusail Stadium on Wednesday at risk of elimination, needing to beat Saudi Arabia to have any chance of advancing.
Tata Martino's side have shown little sign of delivering such a result so far, drawing with Poland only after Robert Lewandowski had a penalty saved and then losing 2-0 to Argentina.
Mexico are winless in four World Cup matches, only enduring a worse sequence across their first 13 finals games.
They have not scored in any of those four outings either, with 49 attempts in that time producing just nine on target.
Perhaps their luck will change against Saudi Arabia, who have kept only one clean sheet in 18 World Cup matches – that rate of 5.6 per cent the worst in tournament history among teams to play 10 or more games.
"While we still have a chance, we have to try to do it," Martino said after losing to Argentina. "Saudi Arabia need to try to win and score goals, and we do, too.
"I think that in life and in this case, with these players, we are used to picking ourselves up, above all when we have to. It's hard, though; it's definitely hard."
Saudi Arabia could go through with a draw, although they will have to win to ensure they cannot be impacted by the result between Poland and Argentina.
They have only made it through the group stage once previously, in their first participation in 1994.
"I hope [the Saudi fans] won't give up," coach Herve Renard said following a 2-0 defeat to Poland.
"When you are fans, you need to support your team when it's a fantastic day. But you also need to support your team to make history in the third game. I would like to see one more time a green stadium."
Mexico are unbeaten against Saudi Arabia, winning four of their five previous meetings, which all occurred between 1995 and 1999.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Saudi Arabia – Mohammed Kanno
Kanno really stood out as Saudi Arabia might a bright start against Poland, providing a goal threat from midfield as he attempted a joint-high four shots. His support will be key as the Green Falcons go on the attack again.
Mexico – Raul Jimenez
Martino played without a natural forward against Argentina, but he surely cannot afford to do so again as Mexico need goals. They have only had five shots on target, with no player contributing more than one. After coming off the bench twice, Jimenez may now be called upon to produce at a big moment.
PREDICTION
Despite their recent World Cup woes, Mexico are strong favourites to get the win they need to stay in contention. The supercomputer rates their chances at 56.4 per cent.
A second Saudi Arabia upset of the group stage is given only a 21.2 per cent shot, while the draw – which would see Mexico eliminated and may not be enough for Saudi Arabia either – has a 22.4 per cent likelihood.
Louis van Gaal was heartened by Memphis Depay's display on his first start at the World Cup as he had a hand in both goals in a 2-0 Netherlands win over Qatar.
Depay is the Oranje's star man but had been restricted to the role of substitute in their first two matches following a hamstring injury.
But the Barcelona forward was called in from the start as the Netherlands needed three points to be sure of top spot in Group A.
Although Depay did not score, he was involved in the build-up to Cody Gakpo's opener and then had the shot that led to Frenkie de Jong converting a rebound for the second.
Coach Van Gaal was "so pleased" to have taken a risk by including Depay, Marten de Roon and Matthijs de Ligt, who had all been dealing with fitness concerns.
"The difference is Memphis is playing," he said. "He was involved in those two goals. That is the big difference.
"We have to bring Memphis into the game gradually, because he hasn't played in about two months."
Meanwhile, Van Gaal described Gakpo, who has three goals in three games, as having "everything it takes to become a star".
Van Gaal was certainly more impressed by his two forwards than he was by a question suggesting the Netherlands had underwhelmed.
"I think you have a different perspective on football than I," responded Van Gaal.
"Why don't you write down that it's terribly boring and you're going home tomorrow because you couldn't care less?"
When it was put to the coach that many fans concurred, he replied: "That's disappointing, but I don't agree. I think everyone would be rather proud that we're progressing to the next round."
Davy Klaassen, for his part, had accepted it was a fair assessment.
"If you play against Qatar, everyone will expect you'll win 5-0 or more," Klaassen said. "This tournament has shown it's very difficult.
"It's not like 10 years ago when you have the results you used to have. No country so far has shown these results in the group stage."
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez gave no assurances around his future but bristled at mention of his side's performance being the worst statistically of any host nation in World Cup history.
No other home side have lost as many as three matches or conceded as many as seven group-stage goals.
"We're talking about statistics. We're a country with 6,000 football licences, so this was a likely situation," Sanchez said.
"We never thought at any time to set a goal of reaching the last 16 or the quarter-finals. The goal was to get here, compete and see what we could do. Now we've seen.
"We managed to play two good games against the Netherlands and Senegal, knowing what tough opponents they are. We know in our first game we weren't at our usual level and didn't compete that well.
"We're very realistic about what we can do, where we're heading, what is expected of us.
"You can use statistics as you please, but we have to make our own assessment. That's what really matters to us."
Harry Kane was named in England's starting XI for Tuesday's World Cup clash with Wales, with Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Kyle Walker also coming into the team.
Gareth Southgate gave little away on Monday when asked if Kane, who has been struggling with a foot injury, would feature from the off at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
England's progress from Group B would be assured with a point against Wales, who would need to win by at least three goals if they are to qualify, depending on the outcome of Iran v United States in the other match.
Kane has only scored three times in 10 games for England in 2022, with all those goals coming from the penalty spot.
Southgate has made four changes from England's last game.
Foden did not come on in the goalless draw with the USA, with Southgate's decision not to call on the Manchester City star drawing criticism from some quarters, but the youngster has replaced Bukayo Saka, while Sterling has made way for Rashford.
Kyle Walker, meanwhile, makes his first start of the tournament, with the full-back having recovered from a groin injury he suffered in October, and Jordan Henderson got the nod over Mason Mount.
Wales boss Rob Page, meanwhile, has made three changes from the side he started in the 2-0 defeat to Iran.
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off in that match and has been replaced by Leicester City's Danny Ward.
Midfielder Joe Allen and Fulham winger Dan James also came in for the Dragons, with Connor Roberts and Harry Wilson dropping to the bench.
Cody Gakpo scored in a third consecutive World Cup match as the Netherlands eased into the knockout stage by beating Qatar 2-0 to top Group A.
PSV attacker Gakpo has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament and impressed again at Al Bayt Stadium, setting the Oranje on their way to victory with a clinical 26th-minute strike.
As Senegal defeated Ecuador elsewhere, a further goal from Frenkie de Jong made sure of a straightforward victory to clinch first place in the pool.
Gakpo likely would not have had such a prominent role thus far if not for Memphis Depay's hamstring injury, but the pair started together on Tuesday and will now aim to link up again in the last 16 against the Group B runners-up.
The Netherlands immediately looked more threatening for having Depay in the line-up, although he failed to get a shot away in an early scramble in the box, leading Daley Blind to aim tamely at Meshaal Barsham, and soon lashed over.
It was Gakpo who instead delivered the goods once more following a lovely move, laying the ball off to Davy Klaassen and taking the return to fire a firm finish into the bottom-right corner.
Dreadful defending from Qatar then allowed Louis van Gaal's men to double their lead four minutes into the second half as Barsham blocked from Depay but De Jong was able to beat two men to the rebound in front of the goal line.
A third for Steven Berghuis was ruled out for a handball by Gakpo in the build-up, with the substitute also hitting the bar in stoppage time, but events in the other match meant the Netherlands' position was never under threat.
What does it mean? Oranje go on the offensive
The Netherlands had attempted only 12 shots worth a combined 0.8 expected goals across their first two matches, outperforming only Costa Rica in each metric.
Qatar made for accommodating opponents on Tuesday, but Depay's return alongside Gakpo led to a far more dangerous display. The Oranje produced 12 attempts worth 1.6 xG in this game alone.
Another crucial Gakpo goal
Any Netherlands nerves were eased by another opening goal from Gakpo, who had broken the deadlock against both Senegal and Ecuador.
He is the fourth Oranje player to net in three straight World Cup appearances and only the second player from any nation to open the scoring three times in the same group stage at a finals, along with Italy's Alessandro Altobelli in the first round in 1986.
Unwanted records for hosts
In conceding seven goals and losing three matches, Qatar set new records for hosts at a World Cup finals. This was not the sort of history they set out to make 10 days ago.
What's next?
The Netherlands will learn the identity of their last-16 opponents later on Tuesday, as Qatar reflect on a gruelling first World Cup experience.
Senegal progressed to the World Cup knockout stage at the expense of Ecuador after Kalidou Koulibaly's strike sealed a 2-1 win at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.
Aliou Cisse's side went into the game a point adrift of their opponents, but a deserved victory saw them secure second spot in Group A behind the Netherlands, who beat hosts Qatar in the group's other game.
Senegal were brightest from the outset and went ahead in the 44th minute when Watford winger Ismaila Sarr coolly slid home from the penalty spot after he had been fouled.
Moises Caicedo pulled Ecuador level midway through the second half, but Chelsea defender Koulibaly popped up in the 70 th minute to restore Senegal's lead and send them into the last 16.
Senegal squandered two glorious chances inside the opening 10 minutes, Idrissa Gueye and Boulaye Dia flashing efforts just wide from inside the penalty area.
Sarr went close with a whipped effort from distance midway through the first half, before Pathe Ciss looped a header onto the roof of the net.
Senegal's dominance was rewarded a minute before the interval when Sarr slotted home from the spot after he had been brought down in the area by Piero Hincapie.
Ecuador were much improved after the break and they drew level in the 67th minute when Caicedo tapped home at the back post after Felix Torres had flicked a corner on.
Their joy was short-lived, however, as Koulibaly booked Senegal's last-16 spot just three minutes later with a side-footed volley from six yards after a free-kick had been diverted into his path by an Ecuador defender.
Thibaut Courtois insists "too many lies are spread" as the Belgium goalkeeper dismissed reports of a rift in the Red Devils' camp.
The 2022 World Cup is regarded as the last shot at glory for Belgium's 'Golden Generation', who must avoid defeat against Croatia to stand any chance of reaching the last 16.
Following their shock 2-0 defeat to Morocco, Jan Vertonghen appeared to take a swipe at Kevin De Bruyne, who suggested the ageing Red Devils were "too old" to launch a genuine challenge in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Eden Hazard stated his belief Roberto Martinez's side had "greater chances" of glory in Russia four years ago, when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by France in the semi-finals.
"I guess we attack badly because we are also too old up front," Vertonghen told reporters in the mixed zone after the loss against the Atlas Lions.
Courtois, who will earn his 100th cap should he play against Croatia, revealed there had been a discussion among the group on Monday, and that the rumours have spurred his team-mates on.
"The problem is that too many lies are spread," he said. "A situation is described that doesn't exist. As a group, we need to avoid that negativity.
"Everything was clarified yesterday. Everyone has openly expressed their opinion. Now, we have to take action on the field. It's good that we had a group conversation. We said what we thought to each other.
"We have to be honest with each other and fight for each other on the pitch."
Hazard also denied there was a confrontation in the dressing-room after the Morocco defeat, but the Red Devils captain admitted he had held a conversation with De Bruyne about his comments.
"Nothing happened in the dressing-room," he said. "Only the coach spoke. I spoke to Kevin De Bruyne, he does believe in the group.
"We had a good talk among the players. A lot has been said. We talked for an hour about good things and less good things. Now, we want to win against Croatia. We have to be ready."
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's final World Cup group match against Cameroon, while Alex Sandro has joined the superstar forward and Danilo on the injury list.
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar hobbled off in the 80th minute of Brazil's 2-0 win over Serbia last week with a lateral ligament injury to his right ankle.
The 30-year-old sat out Monday's victory over Switzerland, in which Casemiro scored a late winner, but no official timeframe was given for his recovery.
However, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed on Tuesday that Neymar will play no part against Cameroon, with Brazil requiring a point to guarantee top spot in Group G.
Team-mate Danilo, who has a similar ankle problem to Neymar, will also not recover in time for Friday's match at Lusail Stadium, while Alex Sandro is suffering from a hip injury.
"After yesterday's game, Alex Sandro felt pain in his left hip and was unable to continue in the game," Lasmar said.
"This morning he was reassessed. We took him for an MRI test, which showed a muscle injury in the left hip muscle. The player will not be able to participate in the next match.
"But he is still undergoing treatment so that we can recover him as soon as possible.
"Danilo and Neymar are still recovering from ankle injuries. Each with a different treatment because they are different injuries."
Neymar was fouled nine times by Serbia players, which is one shy of Brazil's World Cup record of 10 set against Switzerland in 2018.
He was fouled a leading 44 times across the 2014 and 2018 World Cups combined – once every 21 minutes, more often than any other player impeded on at least 25 occasions.
With their victory over Switzerland, Brazil became the first side in World Cup history to go unbeaten in 17 consecutive group-stage matches in a run stretching back to 1998.
Defender Lisandro Martinez believes Argentina are a better side for having lost their World Cup opener to Saudi Arabia.
The Copa America winners were stunned 2-1 by the Saudis a week ago but rebounded well by beating Mexico 2-0 on Saturday, thanks largely to Lionel Messi's long-range strike that settled the nerves.
Argentina head into their final Group C game against Poland knowing only a victory will guarantee their progression, although a draw may be enough.
Martinez said: "I think a defeat is when you really learn and you learn things you were not aware of when you are winning and being successful.
"That defeat means the squad is more prepared. That's the good side of defeats, you have to analyse and then take the positives.
"We know we have a big team, big players and have great potential but that doesn't just apply to Argentina. We have to believe in our qualities."
The Manchester United centre-half is aware, however, of the threat that Poland, and star striker Robert Lewandowski in particular, will pose.
He added: "They are a very tough opponent and have top players such as Lewandowski. We have to be well organised so they don’t hit us on the counter.
"Lewandowski moves so well, and is always trying to create goalscoring opportunities, we have be fully focused.
"It all comes down to details. We should not overload ourselves with too much pressure. We have been doing a good job of that and we need to keep working on it.
"We have to show the playing style that we are renown for."
Coach Lionel Scaloni said it should not be a surprise that Argentina have found qualification to the knockout phase so problematic.
"How many teams are competing here? Only three have qualified," he said. "Everyone else is fighting to go through.
"When I spoke beforehand about our group, I said it was going to be challenging and that everything was going to be up in the air until the last game. Even if we'd drawn one and won one, the last game was going to be key.
"Obviously, after the win against Mexico we are feeling better emotionally. We now feel we are on the right path."
Didier Deschamps may opt to rest some of his key players for Wednesday's clash against Tunisia with France already through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Wins against Australia and Denmark mean the defending champions are almost guaranteed to finish top of Group D and, with such a packed schedule, Deschamps has the luxury of being able to leave out the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann.
Les Bleus had Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante, Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku ruled out before the tournament started while first-choice left-back Lucas Hernandez lasted just 13 minutes of their opening game against the Socceroos before sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, and Deschamps seems unlikely to risk more of his star men.
Hernandez has been replaced by his brother Theo, although he too may be left out against Tunisia given the lack of depth on the left side of defence.
That could mean Jules Kounde makes the move across from right-back, something the Barcelona defender would be willing to do.
Kounde said: "It's another chance to play in the France team. I've always tried to do my best and play with a lot of desire.
"Left-back would be another position. I think I've played it once, we'll see what the coach decides."
Kounde got the nod at right-back against Denmark in place of Benjamin Pavard, who started France's opener against Australia.
"It's healthy competition," Kounde said of his battle with the Bayern Munich man. "We try to bring the maximum when we play. I have to bring more offensively and improve technically."
Tunisia have taken one point from their two games and have yet to score. The 1-0 defeat to Australia on Saturday was a major blow to their hopes of advancing, and they must beat France to stand any chance.
Coach Jalel Kadri is also considering changes in a bid to improve their creativity.
He said: "We lost a crucial match, but we will give everything we have in the last game.
"We don't change the team for the sake of changing, but we make adjustments to adapt to the way the rival teams play. We will analyse our performance and fix our mistakes."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tunisia - Youssef Msakni
Although Tunisia were largely disappointing against the Socceroos, Msakni had a fine game. The Al Arabi attacker had six shots against Australia, the most ever by a Tunisia player in a single World Cup match.
If Tunisia are to cause a stunning upset, his partnership with Issam Jebali will be key.
France - Ousmane Dembele
Mbappe and Giroud may have stolen the headlines but Dembele has been a revelation down the right side of France's attack.
Only four players have created more chances over the first two matchdays while only Argentina's Angel Di Maria has made more successful dribbles.
PREDICTION
France are understandably overwhelming favourites to make it three wins from three Group D games. Stats Perform's AI model rates them a 62 per cent chance to take the three points with Tunisia's hopes rated at just 14.5 per cent. A draw is given a 23.5 per cent chance.
Rasmus Kristensen is ready for a tough tussle with Australia, while Denmark team-mate Jesper Lindstrom is confident Kasper Hjulmand's side will go through to the last 16.
Denmark's defeat to France on Saturday, combined with Australia's victory over Tunisia, has left the Euro 2020 semi-finalists in need of a victory to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stage of the World Cup in Qatar.
With France's progress from Group D already assured, all three of the other sides could clinch second place, which is occupied by Australia heading into the final matchday.
Wednesday's match at Al Janoub Stadium will be the second meeting between Australia and Denmark at the World Cup, following a 1-1 draw in the group stage in 2018, and Kristensen knows it will be a battle.
"For sure we're up for it," the Leeds United defender told reporters. "If fighting is what it takes we're going to do it.
"I know a few [Australia] players. We've seen the first game and we're going to watch a lot of them in the next few days.
"I think the expectations were the last game would always be decisive."
Lindstrom, who almost put Denmark ahead against France before Kylian Mbappe's second goal sealed a 2-1 victory for Les Bleus, has faith his team will get the job done.
"We have confidence, everyone has belief. We have that mentality. We will do our best," said the Eintracht Frankfurt attacker, who believes Denmark played at a much higher level against France than in their opening draw with Tunisia.
"We are really disappointed but we have to look how we can develop, how we can use the situations we created," he added.
"The second half was better than the first but we had 20 minutes where we controlled the game, we scored the goal and we had big chances."
Denmark could qualify for the knockout stage at back-to-back World Cup tournaments for a second time, previously doing so in 1998 and 2002.
The Danes have only failed to qualify from the group stage in one of their previous five appearances at the tournament, while Australia have only made it to the last 16 once in their history back in 2006.
However, should France beat Tunisia as expected in the other Group D's game on Wednesday, then a point would be enough for Australia to go through.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Australia – Mitchell Duke
Mitchell Duke scored Australia's winner against Tunisia, heading home brilliantly. The 31-year-old has scored five goals in his past eight starts for his country, with four of these goals being headers.
Denmark – Jesper Lindstrom
Handed a start against France, Lindstrom felt he had done enough to impress Hjulmand, though he rued been unable to score, with Hugo Lloris making a fine save from the forward's strike.
Denmark have only scored once so far in Qatar, and Lindstrom will be hoping for more luck in front of goal against Australia.
PREDICTION
Australia have lost eight of their 11 World Cup games against European sides (W1 D2), failing to keep a clean sheet in all of those matches, while they have won just one of their four games versus Denmark, winning a friendly match 1-0 in June 2010.
Opta make Denmark – ranked 28 places above Australia by FIFA – as the strong favourites, giving them a 63.2 per cent chance of securing a crucial victory.
The likelihood of a draw is 22 per cent, leaving Australia's chances of coming out on top at 14.8 per cent.
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