Denmark vs France

France’s final test ahead of the upcoming World Cup participation later this winter takes them to Parken Stadium to meet Denmark in the ultimate 2022/23 Nations League round.

Denmark long looked on the cusp of reaching the Nations League semi-finals, but a 2-1 defeat in Croatia a few days ago spoiled their plans. Having won three of their five Group A1 matches (L2), the Danes head into the group stage finale trailing section-leaders Croatia by a point. It means they’d have to beat France for the second time this year following a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in Paris and hope Croatia will slump away to Austria to pave their way to the playoffs. Interestingly, none of Denmark’s 14 internationals since their heartbreaking Euro 2020 semi-final exit have ended as a draw (W10, L4). But after alternating between winning (2) and losing (2) in their last four Nations League outings, they have every right to feel concerned.

Adding to this sentiment, visiting France claimed an all-important 2-0 home win over Austria last time out to end a four-game winless Group A1 start (D2, L2) and escape the bottom. But the visitors are not safe yet by any stretch of the imagination, with the fourth-placed Austrians only one point adrift. Therefore, Didier Deschamps’ depleted squad will be out to build on their 14-game unbeaten streak on foreign soil, Euro 2020 excluded (W11, D3). Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud were on the scoresheet beyond halftime in France’s abovementioned win over Austria, helping ‘Les Blues’ smash a two-goal barrier in one game for the first time after four consecutive failed attempts. And with the prospect of demotion to League B looming, the reigning world champions will be keen to end a two-game winless H2H run against Denmark (D1, L1).