Players ran from the pitch as the deafening thunder from lighting just a few hundred metres away rocked the stadium and torrential rain drenched the ground.

Australia were already struggling in the game, their final match of the group stage, before the unplayable weather conditions set in.

They had gone behind after 11 minutes when Denmark took the lead and appeared to be finding it hard to get into the game.

Australia's earlier 2-1 win over Ivory Coast followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat against Brazil left their progression in the tournament on the line as the top two and four best third-placed teams from the six groups would progress.

But while the Joeys game was on standby for more than 90 minutes, Ivory Coast shocked Brazil by taking a 3-2 lead as full-time approached.

However Brazil scored a vital equaliser in the 93rd minute to ensure Australia's result against Denmark should once again be just a formality unless the Joeys get beaten by three clear goals or more.

The rescheduled match will now take place at 1am tonight AEST and will be played in its entirety, starting from 0-0.

FIFA official David Chung added: "The safety of the players and all fans attending the match is paramount.

"As such the decision was taken to interrupt and then, following consultation with the respective authorities, to postpone the match to tomorrow."