FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Croatia vs Denmark Preview
Having conceded just one goal apiece in the group stages, Croatia and Denmark are unlikely to provide too much excitement when they clash in the World Cup last 16.
Zlatko Dalic’s side surprised some by winning all three of their Group G games on their way to the last 16 at Russia 2018.
Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen thinks Croatia will start as favorites though.
“It will bring together the whole country if we move on against Croatia,” the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said. “It will lift the national spirit in the country. Had we gone home after the group matches, it would have been a scandal. “Croatia are perhaps small favourites if you look at the clubs where the players come from. But I think we can settle it within 90 minutes.”
With 13 goals to his name in his last 16 games for Denmark, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder surely represents their best bet in what promises to be a tight match.
Team news
Dalic is expected to recall all the big-name players who were rested for Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Iceland.
That means the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Dejan Lovren and Mario Mandzukic should feature.
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic is set to return against Denmark.
Meanwhile, Denmark midfielder William Kvist may start, despite puncturing a lung and breaking two ribs in his country’s opening group-stage win over Peru. And Yussuf Poulsen is also back having completed a one-game suspension.
Predictions:
Following their impressive win over Argentina, Croatia is favorites to win. Denmark will have to play at their very best to qualify. but anything is possible in this world cup has seen many of the favorites already knocked out by lesser opposition. In any case, it promises to be an exciting fixture.
