Softfootball previews the highly anticipated UEFA Nations League clash on Friday between Denmark and Spain.
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Both teams have much at stake as Spain looks to cement its position at the top of Group 4, while Denmark fights to secure a spot in the final eight of the tournament.
Match Preview
Spain will head to Denmark on Friday evening aiming to secure top spot in Group 4 of League A, having already guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals. However, a loss to Denmark would leave the group wide open, especially if Serbia can secure a victory over Switzerland on the same day.
Denmark, sitting three points behind Spain with seven points from four matches, has shown a competitive form this Nations League season. They opened with back-to-back wins over Switzerland and Serbia but have since struggled to maintain that momentum, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in Spain and a 2-2 draw with Switzerland. Denmark’s newly appointed manager, Brian Riemer, will debut in this match, looking to prove himself against a Spain side that Denmark has beaten only twice in their last 17 encounters, with their last victory dating back to a World Cup qualifier in 1993.
Spain, meanwhile, has shown consistency under head coach Luis de la Fuente. They have three wins and one draw in their Nations League group stage and have remained unbeaten in all competitions since a friendly match loss to Colombia in March. La Roja, defending Nations League champions and recent Euro 2024 winners, will secure first place in Group 4 with a draw or win on Friday.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Denmark’s new coach Brian Riemer will have some challenging lineup choices, especially up front. Rasmus Hojlund, despite only two goals this season for Manchester United, has been productive for his national team, scoring seven times in 20 appearances, and will likely start. Christian Eriksen is also set to return after a recent injury, with 21-year-old Patrick Dorgu in line for his fourth cap as a wing-back. Joachim Andersen, who has been in strong form at Fulham, is expected to be part of a back three alongside Jannik Vestergaard and Victor Nelsson.
Spain, meanwhile, has key players missing due to injuries, including Pau Torres, Dani Carvajal, Rodri, and the young talents Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Alvaro Morata, who was briefly sidelined after a head injury in AC Milan training, is expected to start and add to his 37 international goals. Nico Williams and Dani Olmo could join Morata in the attack, while Pedro Porro may feature at right-back. Left-back responsibilities will likely fall to either Alex Grimaldo or Marc Cucurella, with rising talents Aitor Paredes, Marc Casado, and Samu Omorodion hopeful for their first national team appearances.
Expected Lineups:
Denmark Starting XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Vestergaard, Nelsson; Bah, Hjulmand, Hojbjerg, Dorgu; Eriksen, Hojlund, Gronbaek
Spain Starting XI: Raya; Porro, Vivian, Laporte, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Ruiz; Olmo, Pedri, N. Williams; Morata
Prediction
With both teams having much to play for, this match could be a tightly contested affair. Denmark will be eager to impress under new management, while Spain’s attacking depth, even with key players missing, could give them the edge. We predict a close match but ultimately see Spain’s experience helping them secure three points.
