FRANCE
VS
DENMARK
29th March 2015, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-A?tienne
France play hosts to Denmark in an international friendly and both teams will be looking to get a win in this match for varying reasons.
Smarting from the 3-1 defeat to Brazil, France would be looking to get back to winning ways, with that failure the first to happen since the world cup, and this run included games against Portugal and Sweden too. Didier Deschamps will want his team to learn the lessons from the beating they received from Brazil and put in a strong performance against Denmark.
Denmark have already had something to complain about their trip to France, with manager Morten Olsen unimpressed with the facilities provided by the French football federation, saying the pitch and training facilities were sub-standard, making it dangerous for his players to train. He has vowed that France would be treated the same way when they visit Denmark, but more importantly, he should ensure his players dona t get affected with all this and continue the good work following a thrilling win against USA.
Team News and Tactics
France
Didier Deschamps has a very strong side to choose from, although he will be without the services of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who picked up an injury in the game against Leicester City in the English Premier League. For the manager, every game that he can get his players together would be important, considering they have no competitive games until Euro 2016. And while they did have an unbeaten run until the defeat to Brazil, the signs were there that their game was not all that good, with a draw against Albania and a close victory over Sweden.
Along with Lloris, France will also be without the services of Maxime Gonalons and Paul Pogba, both ruled out with injury. The defence could see the return of the inform Laurent Koscielny, especially after the debacle against Brazil. In midfield, Fekir could get a look in while therea s a chance Olivier Giroud may also start, considering the goal scoring form he is in. However, Deschamps may go with Benzema and Lacazette in the front line, bringing on Giroud later in the game.
Predicted Line Up: Ruffier; Evra, Koscielny, Varane, Jallet; Matuidi, Kondogbia, Schneiderlin; Fekir; Benzema, Lacazette.
Denmark
Denmark will have a point to prove against the French side, especially after their manager was left fuming about the treatment giving to them and what he feels is an insult. However, the team need to stay focused on the job at hand and look to continue the good form they bring into the game after the win against USA. While they are on top of their group in the Euro 16 qualifications, keeping a winning run would be important.
After his excellent hattrick against the Americans, it would be a foregone conclusion that he would start once again this time. Olsen would definitely start with a strong team and will look to win this game. Denmark are without Daniel Agger and Jores Okore, both out due to injury. Christian Eriksen, who played only 45 minutes in the previous game, may get a longer run in this game. Kasper Schmeichel, returning from a foot injury, may not get to start the game.
Predicted Line Up: Andersen; Boliesen, Kjaer, Sviatchenko, Wass; Krohn-Dehli, Kvist, Poulsen; Eriksen; Bendtner, Vibe
Key Facts
- France have lost only one game since their World Cup campaign.
- France have a superior head to head record, losing only one game against Denmark and winning 5.
Prediction
Although both teams have had opposite results, it is hard to bet against France for this one. However, Denmark will definitely give them a scare and are likely to start the game the stronger side, having a settled lineup from the midweek game.
Predicted Score: France 2-1 Denmark