Squawka
·15. November 2024
Squawka
·15. November 2024
Denmark and Spain meet in the Nations League on Friday in what looks an intriguing contest at the Parken Stadion in Copenhagen.
Denmark (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Andersen, Vestergaard, Nelsson; Bah, Hjulmand, Hojbjerg, Dorgu; Eriksen, Gronbaek; Hojlund
Spain (4-2-3-1): Raya; Porro, Vivian, Laporte, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Ruiz; Olmo, Pedri, N Williams; Morata
This League A Group 4 showdown is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm, and can be watched by UK viewers on the Viaplay International YouTube channel.
Spain appear to be in full control of this group and a win over Denmark would seal top spot for the reigning European and Nations League champions.
The Danes are looking to at least follow La Roja in second place. But they could still nick top spot if they can beat Spain and follow it up with a win over Serbia on Monday.
That looks a big ask, though, as Denmark haven’t beaten Spain since 1993 and it was 1-0 to La Roja when these two met in Murcia last month.
Last month’s victory for Luis de la Fuente’s men was part of an unbeaten run now stretching to 14 matches. Overall, Spain have lost just once in 21 matches in all competitions.
In contrast, Denmark have been in a downward spiral since reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2020.
Brian Riemer has been brought in as head coach and the new Denmark boss will be tasked with improving results, with the Danes having won just two of their last eight matches.
A cagey contest looks likely, though, as only one of Denmark’s last eight matches has featured more than two goals and there is little reason for Spain to go all out on the attack.
La Roja have conceded just once in four Nations League matches in this year so they could be a tough nut to crack for Denmark, who have won just two of their previous 17 meetings with Spain.
New head coach Riemer has a number of big decisions to make, especially in the attacking positions.
Kasper Dolberg and Yussuf Poulsen are pushing for starts at the likely expense of Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored twice for his club this season following his return from a long-term injury.
Christian Eriksen is also back from a recent injury and should start, while Joachim Andersen is likely to be handed a place in the back three for the home side.
Spain also have plenty to think about as they tackle a lengthy injury list.
Pau Torres has been forced to withdraw from the squad and he joins Unai Simon, Pau Cubarsi, Dani Carvajal, Rodri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal on the sidelines.
A recent head injury is unlikely to rule out Alvaro Morata, and he should join Nico Williams and Dani Olmo in attack, with Pedro Porro set to feature at right-back.
Aitor Paredes, Marc Casado and Samu Omorodion have been included in the squad and could make their first appearances for the national side on Friday.