- Uefa Nations League, League A, Group 1
- Stadium: Maksmir Stadium
- Time: 22/09/2022;
Denmark would have their mettle tested on Thursday evening as they seek to hold on to the number one spot on the group’s table, awaiting the invading forces of the Croats. The previous outing between the two ended with the checkered side edging a narrow victory over The Red and Whites and we are forced to expect another disappointing outing for the leaders of the group table. As the two elephants of the group settle it out at the Maksmir Stadium today, a big question comes to mind; Will Kasper Hjulmand’s side fold their hands as the Checkered Ones seize this victory?
Denmark
Form in the last 5 games: W-L-W-W-W
Having consistently threaded the path of poise and proficiency, a win for the Danish side today would consolidate their spot in the Nation’s league final stage. Seizing a whooping nine points from the last 4 games; losing only to the Croats in the 69th-minute decider clutched by Mario Pasali from their last encounter in June, we have witnessed professionalism at one of the highest forms as they have maintained their mettle in the group where the 2018 World Cup champions and runner-up have been stationed. However, the side also boasts of brilliant talents such as Martin Braithwaite and Kasper Dolberg spearhead the attack for the game.
Even though the coach’s instruction would be to hold their end till the very last, the team struggle against retirements, injuries, and illness.
Playmaker Jesper Lindstrom would also be absent due to illness and is speculated absent for the game. Fallen from injury, Robert Stov, Andreas Cornelius, and Wind are also exempted from gameplay. Notable replacements would be Yousse Poulen, Mikkel Damsgaard, Rasmus Hojlund, and Casper Nielsen.
Kasper Schmeichel stands between the goal posts for the game and we would be yet again thrilled by another wonderful display of finesse and class.
The advantaged Reds and Whites go into today’s game with a simple instruction, Dominate. Regardless, they are met with heavy opposition from a relentless Croatian side who seemed to always be on the fortunate side of the scoresheet whenever both teams battled.
Coach: Kasper Hjulmand
Possible Lineup: Kasper Schmeichel (GK), Joachim Andersen (DF), Joakim Maehle (DF), Andreas Christensen (DF), Rasmus Kristensen (DF), Thomas Delaney (MD), Daniel Wass (MD), Pierre-Emile Hoejbjerg (MD), Martin Braithwaite (FW), Christian Eriksen (FW), Andreas Skov Olsen (FW)
Bet on Croatia vs Denmark with Bet365Croatia
Form in the last 5 games: W-W-D-L-W
Zlatko Dalic, coach to the formidable Checkered squad would grind to commandeer the number one spot from the Danish national team as they gave away points in June, tieing and losing to France and Austria respectively. Snatching 7 points from the last 4 matches, they sit uncomfortably in second place, looking up to Denmark who hold the lead with 9 points.
However, world-class names like Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic, Milan’s Ivan Perisic, and Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, who continue to defy the odds would be on the frontlines as they fortify the nerve to continue the 14-year-old jinx over the Reds and Whites.
Today’s lineup promises opportunities for younger starlets like Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanvic and Salzburg’s Luka Sucic as well. For this meeting, The Checkered Ones hold the prevailing advantage and we expect a repeat of victory from the Croatian side because of their astute display of drive and class as they have navigated the sails from being the underdogs to being considered as one of the top contenders for the competition’s trophy.
As defeat would end the Croatian dream of Nations league glory, we expect a fight to the death and if lady luck illuminates their path, they may clinch that winning goal and consolidate a truly deserving top spot. If there’s anything we know about the Croatian side, it is that they can never be underestimated or counted out, especially when they have a reason to be highly motivated.
Coach: Zlatko Dalic
Possible Lineup: Dominik Libvakovic (GK), Josip Stanisic (DF), Martin Erlic (DF) Domagojk Vida (DF), Josip Juranovic (DF) Mateo Kovacic (MD), Luka Modric (MD), Marcelo Brozovic (MD), Andrej Kramaaric (FW), Mario PAsalic (FW), Ante Budimir (FW)
Expert Betting Tips
- Denmark has not won against Croatia since 1999, with Croatia looking to bag a fifteenth win against The Reds and Whites;
- This clash has always been a win or draw in favor of the Croatian side;
- In the last five games, both teams have lost only one game;
- Croatia has no injuries or sudden replacements;
- A BTTS is very unlikely.
Croatia to win @ 2.50 odds
Croatia to win or Draw @ 1.36
Croatia is in desperate need of three points to secure progress in this competition. As they are always known to rise from their ashes, bet on a home win and under 1.5 goals at 1.47 odds.
Good luck out there!
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