France vs Denmark Prediction
26th November 2022
19:00 Qatar Time/16:00 GMT
Stadium 974, Doha
World Cup Tournament Form:
France
Australia
4-1
Denmark
Tunisia
0-0
World Cup Head-to-Head Record
Played:3 France Wins:1 Denmark Wins:1 Draws:1
France vs Denmark Prediction Match Overview
France come into the game buoyed after an emphatic victory over Australia in their opening game in Al Wakrah. A Craig Goodwin strike in the ninth minute stunned the World Champions. However, they recovered to win through headers by Adrien Rabiot, Kylian Mbappe, and Olivier Giroud, as well as a Giroud tap-in to complete his brace. They played very well and will be feeling confident. Denmark, for their part, played out a very drab goalless draw with Tunisia in Al Rayyan. It was a game of few chances; the Danes had 61 per cent possession but managed to create very little with it, only accruing four mainly tame shots on target. In France vs Denmark, the Danes know they have had the French’s number in recent games, including the recent Nations League season. However, France look in the mood in this tournament, and their front four will require much effort to contain.
Injuries and Suspensions
Might not play: Varane (France)
Will not play: Lucas Hernandez (France); Delaney (Denmark)
Possible Lineups
France vs Denmark Prediction Analysis
Previous matches and Likely Formations and Lineups
While Denmark will be disappointed with their first match, France will be very pleased. They both enter this match knowing that Denmark have had a hoodoo over France in recent years, but the World Cup is a clean slate. France should line up in the same 4-2-3-1 formation they played against Australia. Lucas Hernandez was injured early in that match and replaced by his brother Theo at left-back. We think France coach Didier Deschamps will start Theo. Raphael Varane can also come in in defence, likely for Ibrahima Konate. Thomas Delaney is out for Denmark. Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand could go more attacking and play four at the back with Mikel Damsgaard out wide. However, he might be cautious against better opponents and continue playing three at the back, with talisman Christian Eriksen in an attacking midfield position. Andreas Skov Olsen was disappointing in the Tunisia game. However, he should also play as an attacking midfielder, although with much license to go wide and link up with wing-back Rasmus Kristensen.
French Front Players
For the French, the front four is undoubtedly vital in France vs Denmark. Indeed, Olivier Giroud and particularly Kylian Mbappe were electric against Tunisia. Giroud’s hold-up play and scoring touch was evident. Mbappe excited spectators when he received the ball, displaying tremendous pace, dribbling ability, and crossing. There is an argument that the Paris Saint-Germain hotshot is currently the best player in the world. On France’s left side, it will be important that Kristensen and the right-sided centre-back try to contain Mbappe by not allowing him to isolate the wing-back. Mbappe can go either side by going down the line to deliver a cross or cutting inside to link play or shoot. Indeed, he showed he has a capable weaker left foot by assisting Giroud on Tuesday. Ousmane Dembele was also impressive, and he, too, is blessed with pace and creativity. Giroud is the perfect foil for them, and Mbappe has expressed his preference for playing with such a traditional number 9.
Wing-backs, Midfield Battle and Potential Set Pieces
Denmark will want Joakim Maehle to get further forward than he did against Tunisia. The flying left wing-back is a massive weapon for Denmark with his pace and crossing. However, the threat of Dembele may pin him back sometimes. On the occasions he does go forward, Mathias Jensen or Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg must be diligent and cover for him. Indeed, the midfield battle will likely be crucial, as Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni were adept at controlling the game against Australia. We expect France to have more of the ball. However, the Danes will be a danger on transitions with the pace of Skov Olsen and the finishing ability of Kasper Dolberg.
France will also look to use the sides, with Theo Hernandez a more attacking option than his brother and likely to aid Mbappe down the left. Indeed, Hernandez assisted Rabiot’s equaliser against Australia. His support for Mbappe will prove crucial. He is helpful both on the overlap and in providing a decoy for Mbappe to come inside. The three Danish centre-backs must remain diligent in trying to neutralise Giroud’s threat in the air and Mbappe and Dembele’s threat on the ground. Hojbjerg and Jensen in front of them must fill the little gaps that Antoine Griezmann will look to occupy in his attempts to play little slide-rule passes into the three front players. Griezmann is very important, and he will form a midfield triangle with Tchouameni and Rabiot, linking midfield and attack and knitting play. As Danish captain, Simon Kjaer is responsible for leading the team, and the marshalling of his defence will prove crucial if they are to limit the French creation. When Denmark can attack, Skov Olsen, Eriksen, and Dolberg must make the most of any chances which come their way. Eriksen’s brilliant crossing and set pieces are a particularly crucial weapon. However, Deschamps will have planned for this as France are a tall team and good at defending their box.
Possible Replacements
Both teams have options to change things in France vs Denmark. Jules Kounde is an option at the back for France, and they can introduce Kingsley Coman for Dembele or Marcus Thuram for Giroud to freshen up the attack. The exciting youngsters Eduardo Camavinga and Youssouf Fofana are options in midfield. Denmark have Jens Stryger Larsen if they want a more attacking option than Kristensen at right wing-back. Talented youngsters Jesper Linsdtrom and Mikel Damsgaard can also come on to inject fresh creativity. Martin Braithwaite, Yussuf Poulsen and Andreas Cornelius are alternatives to Kasper Dolberg in the number 9 position.
France Key Players
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe was on fire against Australia, terrorising right-back Nathaniel Atkinson. His dribbling, link-up play and searing pace were all on display, and his header from the Dembele cross capped off an excellent performance. Kristensen has his work cut out to deal with him at right wing-back, and we feel he will require support from Hojbjerg and Jensen. It will be up to Mbappe to find spaces in the left channel and receive the ball from the French midfielders and Griezmann to isolate the Danish right-hand side. His box of tricks can open up any defence, going down the line to cross or coming inside and opening up his body on his strong right foot to shoot. We fancy Mbappe to give the Danes a tough day as he appears to be in the mood at this tournament. Denmark will have a much better chance of a clean sheet if they can contain Mbappe.
Adrien Rabiot
Rabiot played very well against Australia, and alongside Tchouameni, he ultimately controlled the game. In France vs Denmark, he is likely to be challenged more, up against Hojbjerg, Jensen, and Eriksen. All three are playing at a high level in the English Premier League and are experienced campaigners. Rabiot must be brave in possession in the face of a potential Danish high press. If he can keep the game ticking over and link with Tchouameni and Griezmann, he will be able to find Mbappe and Dembele out wide. He has also proved that he is a goal threat, not least with the header against Australia. When France push further forward, he must come across and cover for Hernandez and Pavard. His technical and composed style will be essential if France are to dominate possession.
Denmark Key Players
Christian Eriksen
Eriksen wasn’t at his best against Tunisia. However, he remains a threat against France and his team’s best chance of producing a moment of magic. Eriksen will need to link play with his midfielders and Dolberg up front. His knitting of Danish attacks and service to the forward and Skov Olsen is imperative in ensuring that Denmark can offer a threat in this game. He will likely link up well with Maehle on the left side, and the pair will cross the ball for Dolberg and Skov Olsen arriving at the back post. Eriksen’s set pieces are also critical. His delivery into the box can be dangerous to an increasingly error-prone Hugo Lloris in the French goal. Defensively, Eriksen must ensure he keeps hold of the ball deep in positions where France can attack the Danish defensive third. He must refrain from conceding possession in these deeper areas. Eriksen’s playmaking quality might determine if Denmark can score in this game.
Simon Kjaer
Kjaer is the captain and leader of this Danish team, and his organisation in the back three will be vital. France are a team with much pace and creativity in attack. They also possess fluid movement and players interchanging positions, so Kjaer must marshal his defence and not allow them to lose concentration for a moment. He must communicate well with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, his fellow defenders and his defensive midfielders. This communication might ensure there are minimal gaps where France can find joy. When in possession, Kjaer is a classy and composed centre-back. His experience and ability on the ball will be crucial if Denmark are to play through the lines into midfield and then into the French defensive third. His performance, both defensively and in initiating attacks, will be vital.
France vs Denmark Prediction
We fancy France vs Denmark to be tight. Denmark have had France’s number recently, particularly in this year’s Nations League. However, France looked like a different animal against Australia, with the caveat that the Aussies are a much weaker team than Denmark. As such, the Danes can trouble France on the counter despite France likely having more of the ball. Denmark have much pace in Maehle, Skov Olsen and Damsgaard and a solid base in Kjaer, Hojbjerg and Jensen. The spine of the team can offer protection. The ingenuity and touch of class that Eriksen provides will also be critical. However, France are stacked full of quality, and their front players can hurt any team in the world. We think Denmark will be very spirited, but ultimately France’s superior quality will prevail in a narrow victory and they will seal their place in the round of 16.