Can Denmark surprise mighty Croatia

All signs point in Croatia’s direction, but “Vatreni” have to be careful. One moment could destroy everything they’ve worked for up to this point. Denmark must not be underestimated on Sunday night in Nizhny Novgorod.

Croatia: Group D winner (9 points, 7:1 goal difference)

Pundits and fans alike were full of praise for Croatia after the win against Argentina and rightfully so. Zlatko Dalic’s men were organized, there was balance between the lines, they looked confident and never panicked. Most of the game, it appeared as if they were the favorites, not their opponent. The expectations have risen accordingly. Due to the lack of teams separating themselves from the crowd, Croatia has risen to the rank of a championship contender.

We must not forget, though, that it’s easier being the underdog, which is what Croatia was versus Argentina. We can take the Iceland game out of the equation if you want, because Dalic sent a second team there, but his team played similarly in that match and in the one versus Nigeria. The games developed slowly, there was no rushing, no pace, simply waiting for an opportunity to present itself. It did. It did in those two matches and it did when Caballero gifted a goal scoring opportunity to Ante Rebic. It won’t always happen.

Croatia projected starting lineup:

Things should go back to normal for Croatia after the rest game with Iceland. Danijel Subasic will be back in the crease, accompanied by Ivan Strinic, Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren and Sime Vrsaljko in defence, Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic in midfield and Ivan Perisic, Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic as the forwards.

Denmark: Group C runner-up (5 points, 2:1 goal difference)

In the Round of 16 contest with Denmark, Croatia is the favorite to advance. It’s not a position the Croatians want to be in. Denmark is the type of team which can use a moment to score and then shut the door permanently until the end. The Danes also have a player who can create that moment in Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen. Their Group C tour wasn’t an exciting one, but they won’t care. All that matters is Age Hareide’s mission was accomplished.

Denmark projected starting lineup:

Yussuf “Yurary” Poulsen was suspended against France, but he’ll be back in the starting lineup on Sunday. Andreas Cornelius was very competitive, yet he’ll return to the bench in favour of Nicolai Jorgensen. Pione Sisto, Thomas Delaney, Lasse Schone, Christian Eriksen, Henrik Dalsgaard, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen, Jens Larsen and Kasper Schmeichel complete the projected starting lineup.

Croatia vs. Denmark prediction

Denmark’s game plan is obvious. They play the same against everyone. All the Croatians need to do is not become overly confident because they know how their opponent is going to set up shop and play with urgency from the opening kick-off. Who scores first will be crucial in determining the winner in this one. “Vatreni” must also not give Denmark set pieces in dangerous positions. If those goals are met, Croatia will advance to the quarter-finals.

Croatia vs. Denmark betting odds