Euro 2020: Group B – Russia vs Denmark

Russia meet Denmark in their final Group B clash at Euro 2020 at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, as both teams look to qualify for the knockout stages.

Should Finland lose to Belgium elsewhere, victory would see Russia advance whereas a win for Denmark would create for some complicated maths.

 

Team News

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Mario Fernandes is Russia’s only doubt after suffering a heavy fall in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Finland.

Denmark have no fresh injury concerns to report after losing 2-1 to Belgium on Thursday as manager, Kasper Hjulmand looks set to make tactical changes but could name a largely unchanged starting eleven.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Russia’s first-ever clash against Denmark at a major tournament.
• Russia won their only previous meeting against Denmark, winning 2-0 in February 2012 coincidentally at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen which is host venue for this clash.
• Simon Kjaer is the only Denmark player from that friendly who still features in the current squad, alongside Christian Eriksen who has withdrawn from the squad due to health reasons.
• Russia have scored in six of their seven matches in 2021, although they have scored more than one goal in just two of those six matches (W4, D1, L1)
• Denmark has put just 11 of their 43 shots onto target in their opening two group matches.

 

Prediction

Having struggled in their opener, Russia certainly bounced back with a positive performance against Finland in midweek with a clinical goal, which eventually proved the difference in a closely fought contest where Finland certainly asked serious questions of their defence at times.

Denmark meanwhile bounced back well from a difficult opener to strike early against Belgium but the difference in quality eventually told following Belgian substitutions, although the Danish team did a great job of taking the game to Belgium.

The first goal here will certainly be crucial because if Denmark score first and can kick on quickly to find a second, they will stand a chance at progressing whereas if Russia score early then I can see them getting the win but I fancy the Danish team to finally show some clinical finishing.

Prediction: Russia 0-2 Denmark

Result: Russia 1-4 Denmark