Russia – Denmark

With Belgium already qualified, the fight to finish second in Group B continues and only a win will do for Denmark. The Danes have lost their opening two matches and now face a must-win game against Russia and will be relying on Belgium beating Finland to stand any hope of claiming the second qualifying position.

Russia secured a 1-0 win against Finland to keep their hopes of making it through to the next round alive. Denmark had hoped to make a winning return following that disappointing defeat to Finland but slipped to a 2-1 defeat, despite playing some good football against Belgium. Belgium came back with two good goals and Denmark will have to make more of their chances if they are to beat Russia and earn a place in the knockout stage.

These two countries have only met once before and on that occasion, Russia ran out 2-0 winners. However, a lot has changed since that 2012 friendly, and Denmark boast the more talented of the two squads and it is a surprise to see them without a point on the board. Denmark have won three of their last six international matches, keeping clean sheets in each of those victories. Denmark played much better against Belgium, especially in the first half, and if they can repeat that kind of a display then Russia won’t be able to live with them.