Denmark has no choice but to face off with France this Tuesday. It’s an unenviable task for Denmark to deal with Les Bleus, but don’t just expect the Danes to cower in fear and buckle under the pressure, as they will head into this game with plenty of fervor, focused on getting at least a point to finish in the top two of the standings in Group C.
Had Denmark got the three points in a 1-1 draw with Australia last Thursday, they would have assured themselves of a spot in the round of 16. Instead, they settled with a draw with the Socceroos. Nevertheless, all the Danes need now is at least a draw with France to get to the next round. It was nice for Denmark to see Tottenham man Christian Eriksen finally scoring a goal in the Australia game. With the talented midfielder finally heated up, he will come into the marquee match with France with some more confidence. Even if he did not score in that game, though, Eriksen will still have a target on his back this Tuesday. After all, he’s arguably the best player on Denmark’s side. In other words, the Danes need to be more creative on offense and be less reliant on Eriksen, especially against a more talented squad in the form of France. At some point, forward Pione Sisto will have to do damage after leading the team with three shots against Australia.
Betting on France (+115)
France is undefeated so far, and as expected, are currently tops in the group with six points after taking down Peru on Thursday, 1-0. That said, there’s a feeling that Le Bleus haven’t played to their full potential, which is an assessment that could either come as scary or disappointing, depending on how you look at it. Despite not being up to snuff, France have been unbeaten, how much more if they get it all together. But will they? A match against the gritty Danes will present France the challenge this team probably needs to discover their identity and reveal what they are truly made off. They showed improvements against Los Incas, so it’s going to be interesting how will they fare against Denmark, irrespective of their placement in the standings. Against Peru, France had 12 shots on goal with four going on-target.
Writer’s Prediction
France stamps their class in the group with a 2-0 win over Denmark to finish the group stage with nine points and a 3-0 record.
