World Cup 2022 France Vs Denmark, Tips & Predictions

There was almost a sense of inevitability about these sides getting drawn together in Qatar. Indeed, these two teams found themselves sin the same Nations League group for the summer fixtures just finished. And then there is the fact the two were in the same group in the World Cup in Russia four years ago.

What is perhaps surprising, considering that France are the world champions, is that the French failed to win any of those three matches. Indeed, in the Nations League this summer, Denmark ran out victorious on each occasion. But lets’ remember, France may be the world champions, but Denmark are ranked a respectable 10th in the world by FIFA. These are two very good teams indeed.

So what about this time around? Well, in terms of claiming the trophy outright, it’s no surprise that the World Cup betting odds favour France, albeit behind Brazil. And the likes of 22bet have France as clear favourites for this game too. But as Didier Deschamps and his men know only too well, beating Denmark is far from and easy task, certainly not as easy as the betting odds may suggest.  

• These two sides have very recent history, having been drawn together in the same Nations League group. Denmark won the first game in Paris 1-2, while the Danes ran out 2-0 winners in the second game in Copenhagen. Knowledge of those two recent wins is essential in considering any betting tip.
• France lead the head-to-head record between these two teams, but haven’t won any of the last three. The French did win the first three between these two, but the last of those wins came more than eight years ago.
• These two met in the group stage in Russia four years ago. The game ended nil nil and secured qualification to the knockout stages for both. Coincidentally, Australia, also in Group D in Qatar, found themselves in that Group C in Russia.
• Denmark were knocked out in the Round of 16 four years ago, losing to Croatia on penalties. Croatia would go on to reach the final, where they were beaten by France.

With all due respect to Australia and Tunisia, this is the showpiece game in Group D in Qatar. France are the holders, and Denmark are European Championships semi-finalists from just last year. Having said that, Denmark’s opening draw with Tunisia means that the Danes will probably need to find something here, so expect a tight first half with chances at a premium.

FIRST HALF UNDER 1.5 GOALS

Things may well open up a little after half time, and both of these two sides have the class to score. Indeed, Denmark scored twice in both their Nations league games against the French, while the reigning champs have two players up front who have already opened their accounts in Qatar: France’s joint record goalscorer Olivier Giroud, and one Kylian Mbappe (who bet365 expect to win the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player). Expect both sides to register here.

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

Denmark beat France in September in their final Nations League game. Indeed, in that campaign, Demark beat the world champions twice, after recording a win in Paris in June. So why should it be any different this time? Well, this is the World Cup. And France are the defending champions. Denmark won’t see a draw as a bad result after failing to win against Tunisia. And after those two recent defeats against Denmark and a win in their opening game against Australia, France won’t see a point as a bad result either.

THE MATCH TO END IN A DRAW

France

Holders France have a point to prove coming into this World Cup having been on a distinctly average run of form recently. Indeed, Didier Deschamps men finished second bottom of their Nations league group, and were beaten twice by the Danes in doing so. The quality is still there, as France more than proved in their 4-1 win over Australia. They may be missing some key players, but the quality and depth of this squad is almost unrivalled. 

Key Player/s: This France squad, as usual, is bursting with talent. But in Kylian Mbappe, the French have arguably the best player in the world now Messi and Ronaldo are getting older. The PSG striker has been in scintillating form in front of goal, and will surely spearhead the French charge in Qatar.  

Team news: Deschamps may well be without Lucas Hernandez, who came off early in the win over Australia. He was replaced by brother Theo. There are no other injury concerns for the French, who are of course without Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema for the tournament.   

Predicted Lineup: Lloris, Pavard, Upamencano, Konate, T. Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Giroud, Mbappe

Denmark

Denmark are a strong and well-drilled outfit that will cause problems for any team. Kasper Hjulmand’s side reached the semi-finals of last year’s European Championships, and were unlucky to lose to hosts England in that game. The Danes showed their strength of character in coming back from Christian Eriksen’s medical emergency. But there is talent in this team too, and Denmark are certainly dark horses for this World Cup, despite their lacklustre draw against Tunisia in the opening game. Denmark don’t score many, but are difficult to break down too, as France will know all too well.

Key Player/s: Despite everything that has happened, Christian Eriksen remains an essential cog in this well-drilled Denmark machine. The Manchester United man can pick a lock in midfield, and his set pieces will also pose problems for any defence. Tottenham’s Pierre Emil Højbjerg is having a strong season, while Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen and Milan’s Simon Kjaer are rocks at the back.

Team news: Midfield anchorman Thomas Delaney lasted only until half time in the game against Tunisia and is a serious doubt for this game with a knee complaint.  

Predicted Lineup: Schmeichel, Kjaer, Andersen, Christensen, Maehle, Kristenson, Eriksen, Højbjerg, Skov Olsen, Dolberg, Damsgaard

This game promises to decide who will top Group D. France are the reigning champions and are dripping with class, but Denmark are a strong side, and certainly won’t be overawed by their opponents here. A draw is on the cards as both of these teams look to progress from the group.

The match to end in a draw