On Saturday afternoon, France and Denmark clash in Group D of the World Cup in a game that will have a big impact on the group.
France form guideThe reigning world champions kicked off their title defence with a convincing 4-1 win over Australia in their opening game. Milan striker Olivier Giroud scored a brace in the victory to join Thierry Henry as France’s all-time top goalscorer.
The opening game win will have come as a relief for Didier Deschamps's team, as they had won just one of their previous six matches going into the World Cup.
The victory continued the champions' stellar run of form at the World Cup. Les Bleus are now unbeaten in eight games in the competition, having recorded an impressive seven victories. France has also been highly potent in front of goal in the competition, scoring at least two goals in four of their last five matches at the World Cup.
Denmark form guideKasper Hjulmand’s team produced an underwhelming display in their World Cup opener, a goalless draw against Tunisia. The Scandinavians can at least take the positive that they have now kept clean sheets in three of their last four outings.
However, on the flip side, the draw with Tunisia means that Denmark have now failed to win in their last four World Cup games. They have also scored just once in their previous three games in the competition.
Latest team newsFrance will be without Lucas Hernandez, who picked up an ACL injury against Australia. His brother Theo Hernandez is likely to replace the Bayern Munich at full-back. Otherwise, Les Bleus’ are likely to name an unchanged team from their opening starting line-up.
Denmark have fitness doubts over Thomas Delaney, who limped off against Tunisia. Mikkel Damsgaard is likely to come into the starting eleven if Delaney misses out.
What am I backing?Denmark have won the last two meetings between the pair. However, France looked sharp against Australia, and I am backing the world champions to record a narrow victory in this clash.
