World Cup Predictions: France vs Denmark

Denmark will aim to replicate their recent success against France when they face the reigning world champions in their second match in Group D.

The Danes won both their home and away UEFA Nations League matches against Les Blues.

They had also held France to a goalless tie in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup.

But the 2020 Euro semifinalists could not breach the Tunisian defence and had to stay content with a point in their opening match.

On the other hand, France survived an early scare to cruise to a 4-1 win against Australia to kickstart the title defence.

France went 1-0 down against the Socceroos in less than ten minutes after the kickoff.

With four of the past five defending champions failing to win their opening match, it seemed likely that the champions curse is back to haunt Didier Deschamps’ men.

But Adrien Rabiot restored parity before Olivier Giroud scored a brace, and the mercurial Kylian Mbappé added to the pile. France finished the match with a statement 4-1 win and took a big step toward ensuring the group’s top spot.

Christian Eriksen returned to the international stage for Denmark following his horrific cardiac arrest in the Euro 2020 match against Finland. But the midfield maestro could not inspire his team to a victory on the opening day.

In hindsight, Denmark might feel that they have earned a point rather than dropping it as they had to survive a late onslaught of Tunisia attacks to keep the score unchanged.

The Red and Whites appealed for a late penalty, but VAR ruled out the accusation of Yassine Meriah intentionally touching the ball with his hand.

Denmark will still be alive in the round of 16 race if they lose to France. But the equation will have too many variables, and their fate will mostly depend on other results. So, Kasper Hjulmand’s men will eye another victory against the men in blue.

Team News

Injuries to several key players severely hampered France’s build-up to the World Cup.

Lucas Hernandez became the latest French player who had to drop out of the World Cup because of injury. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the France-Australia game and is looking at an injury layoff of nine to twelve months.

Kingsley Coman was not on the France bench as he struggled with a hip issue. Coman might miss out again.

Raphaël Varane was on the bench against Australia and might start against Denmark. He could partner with Dayot Upamecano at the core of the French rearguard. In that case, Ibrahima Konaté will drop out of the starting lineup.

Thomas Delaney had to limp off the pitch in the Tunisia game.

After the scan reports came out, the Sevilla midfielder had to withdraw from the Denmark World Cup squad.

Hjulmand might ask Eriksden to drop deeper in the midfield and pair up with Pierre-Emile Kordt Højbjerg. Mikkel Damsgaard or Jesper Lindstrøm might occupy the central attacking midfield position.

Our Prediction

Denmark’s recent record against France is excellent, but their lacklustre display against Tunisia does not make us much enthusiastic about the prospects of a Denmark win on Saturday night.

We say France 2-0 Denmark.

Date: November 26

Kickoff Time: 09:30 PM IST

Venue: Stadium 974