World Cup last 16: Croatia vs. Denmark team news, predictions, betting odds, TV channel

Prepare for a battle between two of the
world’s top midfield playmakers

Preview

Croatia’s Luka Modric and Denmark’s Christian Eriksen will be
the dangermen on Sunday and it’s a midfield head-to-head that Age
Hareide is looking forward to.

Denmark head coach Hareide told Fifa.com: “Christian has played a fantastic
qualification campaign. He has made a goal and an assist so far at
the World Cup and has the capacity to do more. 

“We could be in for a midfield battle between Christian
and Modric, and it would be exciting both for us on the bench and
for spectators to see it.”

While Denmark are the underdogs, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic
will see this match as a “genuine test” of his nation’s “golden
generation”, says Fifa.com reporter Vjekoslav Paun. Denmark
come into the match undefeated in 18 games and could spring a
surprise.

Team news

The BBC reports that after making nine changes for their
final group match Croatia will recall a host of players including
Ivan Rakitic, Dejan Lovren and Mario Mandzukic. 

Denmark striker Yussuf Poulsen is back from suspension and
is expected to be named in Hareide’s starting line-up. Lasse Schone
should continue to deputise in midfield for William Kvist, who
fractured two ribs against Peru.

Croatia vs. Denmark predicted starting
XIs

How the teams could line up Nizhny Novgorod, according to
Fifa.com:

• Croatia: Danijel Subasic; Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj
  Vida, Ivan Strinic; Ivan Rakitic, Milan Badelj; Ante Rebic, Luka
  Modric, Ivan Perisic; Mario Mandzukic​ 
• Denmark: Kasper Schmeichel; Jens Stryger Larsen, Andreas
  Christensen, Simon Kjaer, Henrik Dalsgaard; Lasse Schone, Thomas
  Delaney; Pione Sisto, Christian Eriksen, Yussuf Yurary Poulsen;
  Nicolai Jorgensen

Croatia vs. Denmark predictions

Mark Lawrenson, BBC
Sport: “I have been very impressed by Croatia, I cannot really
see a weak link in their midfield, either centrally or out wide,
and they have an attacking outlook right through their team.
Denmark, in contrast, are very ordinary. I am sure they will create
some chances, but most of their build-up play is under the
‘hopeful’ category, unless they can get Christian Eriksen on the
ball. Prediction: 2-0.”

Independent: “Denmark face an almighty
challenge in getting past Croatia. Zlatko Dalic’s side have been
one of the tournament’s more consistent teams and are likely to
take it up a notch in the knockout stages. It’s hard to see this
game ending in anything but a Croatia win.”

The Daily Telegraph: “Croatia put in one of the
performances of the World Cup against Argentina and look
irresistible going forwards. Rakitic and Modric have been
fantastic, but Rebic is also one to watch. I think they will be too
quick, too clever and too good for Denmark. Croatia 2 Denmark
0.”

Croatia vs. Denmark betting odds

Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 30 June)

• Croatia to win: 9/10 
• Draw: 9/4 
• Denmark to win: 9/2

First goalscorer

• Mario Mandzukic (Croatia): 9/2 
• No goalscorer: 6/1 
• Andrej Kramaric (Croatia): 5/1 
• Ivan Perisic (Croatia): 6/1 
• Ante Rebic (Croatia): 6/1 
• Luka Modric (Croatia): 10/1 
• Marko Pjaca (Croatia): 8/1 
• Christian Eriksen (Denmark): 9/1   
• Nicolai Jorgensen (Denmark): 10/1