Croatia vs. Denmark: 5 key matchups

Croatia and Denmark play each other Sunday, July 1, in the round of 16 of the World Cup. Here are five key matchups that could decide the result.

Croatia and Denmark will do battle on Sunday at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod.

Croatia were fancied dark horses entering Russia 2018. Wins against Nigeria and Argentina to grab first place in Group D confirmed those expectations. In Croatia’s way is Denmark, who have reached the round of 16 for the fourth time in their five World Cup appearances.

While the game will likely be dominated by fluid passing and possession, it won’t be surprising if it is also marred by bad tackling and physical play. One interesting rivalry will be the one between the past and present of Tottenham’s midfield, as Luka Modric faces off against Christian Eriksen.

“Playing against Luka Modric is always special because he’s an exceptional player and also still I would say a living legend from Spurs,” Eriksen said.

Here’s a look at five showdowns that will very likely determine which of these two teams advances to the quarterfinals.

Kasper Schmeichel vs. the Croatia attack

Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will have his hands full against Croatia’s offense. Denmark are likely to defend deep and play a counter-attacking style, which means Schmeichel is likely to face a significant number of shots, even if they are from distance.

Luka Modric is a formidable player and arguably his side’s MVP at this tournament heading into the round of 16. As he showed against Argentina, he’s also capable of scoring from distance. With Mario Mandzuki posing an aerial threat, Ivan Perisic capable of cutting in off the wing and shooting and Ivan Rakitic also a threat from range, Schmeichel could have a busy game.

The Danish keeper is one of the best at his position in this tournament, and has conceded just one goal in three games so far. He made need to put in another performance like the one he did against Peru in Denmark’s first game if he team are to advance.

Martin Braithwaite vs. Sime Vrsaljko

A human battle ram, striker Martin Braithwaite is a Danish fan favorite for his commitment and stamina. He player who isn’t afraid to chase down the ball and intimidate opponents, his one-on-one battle with defender Sime Vrsaljko will help determine the game’s outcome.

With Braithwaite expected to play on the wing, he will come face-to-face with the Atletico Madrid defender. The showdown is expected to be physical and rough. This mini-battle on the right side of the field will make for one of the better striker-defender showdowns we will see in the round of 16.

While Braithwaite is fast and tough, those who regularly watch La Liga know that Vrsaljko has an array of qualities that have made the Spanish side formidable over the past two seasons. Vrsaljko may be an underrated 26-year-old right back for now, but he could very well make a name for himself on the biggest stage come Sunday.

Pione Sisto vs. Ivan Strinic

On the left wing, Denmark will likely line up with Pione Sisto. While he won a starting role for his club Celta Vigo and for his adopted country at this World Cup, Sisto has had a underwhelming tournament thus far. Sisto will need to be more aggressive against the Croatian defense if he hopes to create chances for himself and teammates.

He won’t have an easy time against Ivan Strinic, the 30-year-old former Sampdoria left back who recently signed with AC Milan. Strinic was left of the team at Sampdoria this past season, but that didn’t stop Croatia from calling him up and starting him. He had a strong first round, especially in his side’s 3-0 win against Argentina.

While less physical than the Braithwaite-Vrsaljko duel, the battle between Sisto and Strinic is also expected to help determine whether Denmark’s offense, so poor against France, can penetrate Croatia’s solid back four. Expect Strinic to have the better of Sisto based what we have seen so far at this World Cup.

Christen Eriksen and Andreas Christensen and vs. Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic

Many games at this World Cup have been determined in the midfield. Croatia-Denmark will be no different. With Modric helping maneuver the Croatia attack from the midfield, expect his teammate Marcelo Brozovic to be a key piece to that puzzle.

Attempting to stop Modric and Brozovic will be center back Andreas Christensen. This will be a confrontation that will test the limits for the Danish defender. While Christensen plays in the heart of the defense in Denmark’s 4-1-4-1 formation, he did just enough to keep France off the scoreboard.

Croatia will be a different matter. While France had nothing to play for since it was already through to the knockout stage, the Croatians will be more determined. Brozovic, who had a strong season at Inter Milan, also has the edge here. Croatia also plays a 4-1-4-1, pitting Brozovic, who is quick with the ball, right up against Christensen in what will be an epic midfield fight between two sides eager to advance to the quarterfinals. Throw the very talented Eriksen into the fray and the middle of the field will be transformed into an ultimate fight to control the game’s pace and possession.

Next: Time runs out for Germany

Zlatko Dalic vs. Age Hareide

Every soccer match is a tactical race between managers. While both Croatia and Denmark feature similar formations, these are two very different teams.

Croatia, managed by Zlatko Dalic, called the upcoming match a “moment of truth” for his side. The 51-year-old Dalic has an embarrassment of riches in midfield, but has been able to manage those players in an effective way. He’s gotten the most out of this roster at this tournament and hopes to have his team go on a deep run in Russia.

On the other hand, Denmark’s Age Hareide, 64, has also gotten the best out of his lineup. Denmark was built on the tradition of its former manager, the great Morten Olsen. Denmark doesn’t utilize a possession game. Instead, its style is fast and aggressive.

This will be a clash of styles that should make for an entertaining match.