2018 FIFA World Cup: Croatia and Denmark Meet in Round of 16

• Croatia and Denmark meet for a Round of 16 clash on Sunday, July 1st
• Croatia stunned the world by topping their group, ahead of pre-tournament favorites Argentina
• Denmark forced their way past Australia and Peru to advance in their group’s second-place spot

There were quite a few reasons to doubt Croatia at this World Cup. The Croatian Football Federation is currently embroiled in a corruption scandal that has involved a few of their players, including captain Luka Modric. As they flew into Russia, Modric had already been charged with perjury and Liverpool man Dejan Lovren was expecting a similar verdict.

Furious about the widespread corruption, Croatian fans attempted to sabotage the national team during Euro 2016 by throwing flares onto the field. There were fears that something similar could occur at the World Cup. There were also rumors of disunity within the squad, and during their first Group Stage fixture, substitute Nikola Kalinic refused to take to the field and was sent home after the match.

The Croatian Football Federation is currently embroiled in a corruption scandal that has involved a few of their players, including captain Luka Modric.

Despite all that, Croatia emerged as the stars of the Group Stage. They skipped over Nigeria with a 2-0 win, stunned the world by thrashing Argentina 3-0, and then defeated Iceland 2-1 with the majority of their key players watching from the sidelines.

Denmark took a less inspiring trip through the Group Stage. They were very lucky to beat Peru 1-0, drew 1-1 against a dismal Australian side, and finished the stage with a farcical 0-0 game against France (neither side wanted to win since finishing second would mean avoiding Argentina).

As expected, Christian Eriksen has been at the core of Denmark’s success. He set up their first goal for Yussuf Poulsen and scored the second. The Danes have only scored two goals so far, and neither would have been possible without the Spurs star.

Denmark got what they wanted out of their game against France: they finished second in the group and avoided meeting Argentina in the Round of 16. Instead, they will face the nation that demolished the Argentinians 3-0.

World Cup Stats

Betting Advice

Pick: Croatia -120

Croatia has had an amazing side for the last few years. Ivan Rakitić and Luka Modrić are two of the central midfielders in the world right now, and Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić are both amazing attacking players. At least on paper, Croatia deserve to be among the World Cup favorites.

But in the past they haven’t always worked well together. Modrić and Rakitić play in similar roles, and they sometimes find themselves stepping on each other’s feet. The squad is stacked with world-class talent but there are also a few weak points, especially on defense.

At least on paper, Croatia deserve to be among the World Cup favorites.

Something has clicked within the Croatian squad and they’re now among the top contenders to win the World Cup. Denmark did well to advance to the Round of 16 but they’re going to have to show us something special in order to beat Croatia.

Croatia vs Denmark Odds