France and Denmark to play out a draw
On Tuesday it’s time for group leaders France to meet second place Denmark. A draw will see both teams go through which would be nice considered I already have a bet on France finishing top and Denmark in second spot for decent odds of 3x the money.
Denmark
The Danes haven’t exactly convinced against Peru or Australia, and even if the Danes make it out of their group, you’d have expected more from them at this point. In their opening match against Peru it was basically flat out luck that got them the 3 points, and a draw against Australia was a weak effort from Denmark.
I see no reason why the Danes would put their foot down
Basically Denmark’s only objective before the start of the tournament was to make it out of their group, and a draw against Peru would see that achieved. I see no reason why the Danes would put their foot down to the floor for this one to try and pinch three points off the French.
William Kvist is still injured and Schøne is his replacement in midfield which is surely a setback but shouldn’t have too much of an impact on the match. After all, Schøne is a decent player.
Denmark’s potential starting 11:
- Schmeichel
- Dalsgaard - Kjær - Christensen - Larsen
- Delaney - Schøne
- Poulsen - Eriksen - Sisto
- Jörgensen
France
Exactly like their opponents, Denmark haven’t exactly met expectations that everyone (myself included) put on them before the tournament. They raised their game a little in the second match against Peru, but it was still a bit of a limp effort. Despite all that the French have still managed to take six points from their two first matches.
I’d be surprised if the French go at it hard
Their attacking play still has a question mark over it, and considering the quality they have going forward their attacking players should have more than three goals after two matches. They only achieved a measly nine shots on goal in that time.
Now they meet Denmark who have a tough and stable defence who have only let in one goal in six matches. That’s a tough ask for the French considering their recent exploits, but they should be happy with a draw at any rate. In the same way I’ve said what I expect from the French, I’d be surprised if the French go at it hard, and will want to play a secure game to be sure of finishing first.
A draw should be satisfactory for both teams, and both sets of players will want a chill match before meeting the onslaught that the knockout stages will inevitably bring.
France’s potential starting 11:
- Lloris
- Pavard - Varane - Kimpembe - Hernandez
- Kanté - Pogba - Matuidi
- Mbappé - Giroud - Griezmann
I’m betting on a draw at the end of both halves with under two goals being scored with odds of 4/5 (1.78) Asian Handicap with Bethard.
Bet a draw at the end of both halves and under 2 goals scored overall AHC on Bethard
