Croatia vs. Denmark
- When: Sunday 1 July
- Kick-off time: 7pm
- Where: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
- TV channel: live on ITV
This last-16 encounter in Nizhny Novgorod could well be a battle between two of the World Cup’s most talented No.10s.
Croatia’s Luka Modric and Denmark’s Christian Eriksen will be the dangermen on Sunday and it’s a midfield head-to-head that Age Hareide is looking forward to.
Denmark head coach Hareide told Fifa.com: “Christian has played a fantastic qualification campaign. He has made a goal and an assist so far at the World Cup and has the capacity to do more.
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“We could be in for a midfield battle between Christian and Modric, and it would be exciting both for us on the bench and for spectators to see it.”
While Denmark are the underdogs, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic will see this match as a “genuine test” of his nation’s “golden generation”, says Fifa.com reporter Vjekoslav Paun. Denmark come into the match undefeated in 18 games and could spring a surprise.
Team news
The BBC reports that after making nine changes for their final group match Croatia will recall a host of players including Ivan Rakitic, Dejan Lovren and Mario Mandzukic.
Denmark striker Yussuf Poulsen is back from suspension and is expected to be named in Hareide’s starting line-up. Lasse Schone should continue to deputise in midfield for William Kvist, who fractured two ribs against Peru.
Croatia vs. Denmark predicted starting XIs
How the teams could line up Nizhny Novgorod, according to Fifa.com:
- Croatia: Danijel Subasic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic; Ivan Rakitic, Milan Badelj; Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic; Mario Mandzukic
- Denmark: Kasper Schmeichel; Jens Stryger Larsen, Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer, Henrik Dalsgaard; Lasse Schone, Thomas Delaney; Pione Sisto, Christian Eriksen, Yussuf Yurary Poulsen; Nicolai Jorgensen
Croatia vs. Denmark predictions
Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport: “I have been very impressed by Croatia, I cannot really see a weak link in their midfield, either centrally or out wide, and they have an attacking outlook right through their team. Denmark, in contrast, are very ordinary. I am sure they will create some chances, but most of their build-up play is under the ‘hopeful’ category, unless they can get Christian Eriksen on the ball. Prediction: 2-0.”
Independent: “Denmark face an almighty challenge in getting past Croatia. Zlatko Dalic’s side have been one of the tournament’s more consistent teams and are likely to take it up a notch in the knockout stages. It’s hard to see this game ending in anything but a Croatia win.”
The Daily Telegraph: “Croatia put in one of the performances of the World Cup against Argentina and look irresistible going forwards. Rakitic and Modric have been fantastic, but Rebic is also one to watch. I think they will be too quick, too clever and too good for Denmark. Croatia 2 Denmark 0.”
Croatia vs. Denmark betting odds
Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 30 June)
- Croatia to win: 9/10
- Draw: 9/4
- Denmark to win: 9/2
- Mario Mandzukic (Croatia): 9/2
- No goalscorer: 6/1
- Andrej Kramaric (Croatia): 5/1
- Ivan Perisic (Croatia): 6/1
- Ante Rebic (Croatia): 6/1
- Luka Modric (Croatia): 10/1
- Marko Pjaca (Croatia): 8/1
- Christian Eriksen (Denmark): 9/1
- Nicolai Jorgensen (Denmark): 10/1