We reach the halfway mark of the last 16 stage of the World Cup on Sunday evening when Croatia take on Denmark in an all-European tussle with the winners progressing to a quarter final against either Spain or Russia.
Croatia were scintillating in their group, coming through with a perfect record and conceding just the one goal. Denmark were unbeaten in their first section and will be eyeing up a quarter final berth.
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Croatia
There were a lot of people who were considering Croatia as dark horses for the tournament before a ball was kicked in it and on the evidence of their group stage they were right to do so. It is different in the knockout stages but this is a side who have made the semi-finals of this competition in the past so they are not afraid to go deep.
The beauty of this Croatian outfit lies in their midfield where the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic have been a joy to watch. Croatia have created plenty going forward but that has not come at the expense of their defensive play. They have only conceded one goal in the tournament so far and even that was a penalty.
Denmark
I will give Denmark plenty of credit for making it through to this stage but they have done little to inspire me in the tournament so far. They have created precious little of note and generally been a bit boring to watch. There is nothing wrong with being defensive minded if there is a plan going the other way but other than seeing what Eriksen can create I’m not sure they have one.
Ultimately the Danes were very fortunate that Christian Sueva missed a penalty for Peru in their opening match of the tournament. Had that gone in Denmark would have been forced to open up to get back into it and you sense that definitely is not their game. That is a concern in this match. If they fall behind do they have it in them to go at Croatia to get back into it? I remain unconvinced.
Team News
Croatia rested nine of their players for their win over Iceland in their previous match and the majority of them are expected to be recalled. Dejan Lovren, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic and Ante Rebic should be included here.
Denmark will have Yussuf Poulsen back from suspension for this match while William Kvist has been passed fit to play despite breaking ribs in the opening match of the tournament. Nicolai Jorgensen could be recalled too.
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Betting
I’ve been pretty keen on Croatia throughout the tournament so far and I’m certainly not neglecting them just yet. I really haven’t been impressed by Denmark at any stage in this event and unless Christian Eriksen does anything in this match I don’t see how they can win unless it is by holding them until penalties.
I don’t see that happening though. Croatia are too good in midfield and have been too clinical throughout the tournament not to break through at some point. You would probably be poor if you went into the odds on shots throughout this tournament but I think this is one occasion where the short priced favourite will deliver.
Tips
Back Croatia to beat Denmark for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with William Hill
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