THERE'S little that excites the Socceroos more than the chance to claim a scalp, but even the prospect of humbling a top-10 side in their own backyard tonight has to take second fiddle to the challenge of World Cup qualification that begins next week.

Holger Osieck's squad will face Denmark in temperatures barely in double figures in Copenhagen, a week before their World Cup qualifier in Oman, where the heat could be in the mid-30s.

Tenth in the world and preparing for the European Championships, Denmark offer the first of three stiff tests in 11 days for the Socceroos, completed by Japan in Brisbane a week on Tuesday.

By the end of it those two games against Oman and Japan will leave Australia's last round of qualifying for Brazil 2014 a quarter completed. No wonder, then, that Mark Schwarzer echoed the voice of Osieck in making clear where the squad's priority has to lie.

"Let's be clear, Denmark are a very good side who did well at the World Cup, have qualified for the Euros and will be a really tough test for us," he said.

"As always too, we'd like to take a scalp and impress. But ultimately the focus has to be on Oman and Japan. This game in Copenhagen is a good run out, a chance to build momentum and so on.

"What we need to do against Denmark is use it to get things right on the pitch, gel again after a period without a game, and prove to ourselves we're in a good state.

"The pre-camp we had in London was about getting fit, especially the players who'd finished their seasons a bit earlier than we might have liked in terms of this game. Now we have this game, and it's a big one, don't get me wrong. But then we face Oman and Japan with one target and that's getting to Brazil in 2014.

"That has been the manager's message all week, something he keeps reiterating. Denmark is a massive game but it's ideal preparation."

Part of that, though, is the avoidance of a stinging defeat to dent confidence on the flight to Oman.

Denmark also have a point to make after being shredded 3-1 by Brazil last weekend in a friendly.

In the absence of Josh Kennedy and Brett Holman, at least for this game, Harry Kewell may get the chance to show Osieck that weeks of inactivity since the end of the A-League season have not jaded his match fitness.

In midfield Mark Bresciano's spectacular return from international exile will be rewarded with another start.

Alex Brosque's goals in recent games for the green and gold are likely to earn him a start, while Schwarzer will move closer still to becoming the first Australian to reach 100 caps.

So far he has 95, and could be within touching distance of the century within a week and a half.

"Of course you know, you're aware, but it's really not about personal accomplishments," he insisted.

"The one aim is to qualify for 2014 - our aim, my aim, everyone's aim.

"If along the way there are personal milestones then they can be enjoyed, but ultimately they will only mean something if they come in the context of the team being successful. And that means Brazil."

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Originally published as Roos can be kings of Denmark