Croatia has won all three games in the Group D with a terrific 7:1 goal difference, including a 3-0 hammering against Argentina, so the last-16 clash with Denmark set for this Sunday, July 1st, 2018, at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium should be a pure spectacle for both the bettors and soccer fans. The Danes are one of a few clear underdogs left in the competition, so it’s a big question can the Danish Dynamite make some noise here.
Croatia vs. Denmark
3-Way: 1: Croatia -118; X: +230 Draw; 2: Denmark +450 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Croatia -118; Denmark +104
Total +2: Over +105; Under -120
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +137/-189
CROATIA
The Blazers have easily beaten Nigeria 2-0 in their opening game of the Group D, keeping the net intact with an ease. In the second match, they’ve hammered Lionel Messi’s Argentina 3-0, while in the ultimate clash of the group phase, Croatia has overcome Iceland 2-1 with a bunch of backup players in the starting eleven. The Blazers possess undoubtedly the strongest midfield at the 2018 World Cup, and their fluid passing game should be a huge advantage in the next fixture with Denmark.
The playmaker Luka Modric is certainly one of the most underrated players in this decade, as in fact, the 32-year old midfielder is a pure master of soccer with an exceptional technique and vision. Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic is another remarkable individual in the middle of the park, and this dynamic duo is a key axle in this Croatia team. At the front, the experienced Mario Mandzukic was looking sharp in last few weeks, while at the back, Croatia is doing a much better job than it was expected.
- Croatia is at +1200 to win the title
- Croatia is at +225 to reach the Semi-Finals
DENMARK
Denmark played some tight soccer in the Group C, recording one win and a couple of draws with a goal difference of 2:1, while the Danes were pretty lucky to get that opening victory over Peru. The Incas missed the penalty kick in the injury time of the first half, while Kasper Schmeichel was amazing between the sticks for all 90 minutes. Danes bagged from one dangerous counter-attack in the second half, and it was all we could see from Age Hareide’s team. They somehow managed to pull out a draw against Australia in the second match, while the final clash with France was completely ridiculous.
Both Denmark and France needed one more point to qualify ahead of Australia, so they simply ended the game in a nil-nil draw at +165 without any serious intention to get a win. However, Denmark was working hard to get in this position, so they are keen to upset the odds here. Sometimes you need a sturdy defense and one outstanding player to win the game, and the 26-year old Christian Eriksen is not far away from Luka Modric’s level. Likewise, Eriksen’s set-pieces taking and long-range shots can really make the difference.
- Denmark is at +8000 to beat the 2018 World Cup
- Denmark is at +900 to reach the last four
Croatia vs. Denmark – Match and Odds Breakdown
According to BetDSI Sportsbook, the bettors can expect a tight battle as -225 odds are set on the under 2.5 goals in the total here, while the price is +137 on both teams to score. The bookies look for Croatia’s domination in the middle of the park, but Denmark is the most dangerous using counter-attacks, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they find the net here. On the other hand, if Croatia takes the lead, this clash could become a one-way road.
Croatia’s defensive line is always frightening me, but I have to go with the Blazers as this tournament is probably the last chance for some of their best players to achieve something great. If Croatia replicates the performance from the group stage, Denmark shouldn’t be a problem.
The Pick: Croatia (-118)
