FIFA World Cup 2018 Preview: Croatia -v- Denmark

CROATIA

Croatia go into their last 16 meeting with Denmark in Nizhny Novgorod (kick-off 3pm Irish time) as heavy favourites after topping Group D with three wins from three.

Croatia had the luxury of being able to rest several first-team players for their final group game against Iceland, but still emerged with a 2-1 win.

Having beaten Nigeria and Argentina in their first two games, the Croats will look to emulate another side with a 100% record, Uruguay, after they beat Portugal on Saturday.

“We came to the World Cup to do something,” said coach Zlatko Dalic.

“We [beat] a great team, but that means nothing if we do not confirm it against Denmark.

“I have a lot of confidence in my team, [and] we enjoy being recognized as a good team.

“I think Denmark is better than Iceland, for one thing, but there will be similarities - long balls, breaks, good defense, a compact rival that runs a lot.

“We have to impose our style and so look for a pass and match it will certainly be a bit different because it is a game of falling.

“I was not afraid of the results against Iceland. I knew we had good players, we have a good bench, and everyone will give us everything when it is needed."

Dalic has a full squad to choose from with no injuries or suspensions hampering his preparation.

DENMARK

Draws with Australia and France were enough for Age Hareide's Denmark to set up the only all-European clash of the last 16.

The Danes played out a drab scoreless draw with France in their final game and Australia were unable to take advantage as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Peru.

The contrast of styles will be clear as the workmanlike Danes, who rely heavily on the creativity of Christian Eriksen, will expect to see little of the ball against a technical side.

Denmark's tally of two goals in the finals is the lowest of all the teams to make the second round, but with just one goal conceded they were bettered by only one team.

“I think you will see a different Denmark from what you have seen so far,'' Hareide said. “We need to play differently to progress. We need to defend, but we also need to attack more than we've done in previous matches.''

Captain Simon Kjaer added: “They will have to respect us. We are not easy to play against. We are not a nice team to meet and, of course, the Croatians know that.''

Denmark will have Yussuf Poulsen back after he missed the France match with suspension and have a full squad to choose from.

Referee: Nestor Pitana (Argentina).

MATCH STATS

Croatia and Denmark have met each other five times since Croatia were admitted by FIFA and UEFA in 1993.

Croatia were 3-0 winners the first time the sides met, at Euro 1996, with Davor Suker scoring twice against a team containing Peter Schmeichel, father of current keeper Kasper.

They met twice in quaifying for the subsequent World Cup, with Denmark taking four points, while they've each won one friendly apiece since.

BETTING

Croatia 10/11; Draw 11/5; Denmark 4/1.

PREDICTION

Croatia 1 – 0 Denmark

Croatia

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Denmark

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.