FIFA World Cup 2018: Denmark vs France

France and Denmark entered their World Cup group stage clash knowing full well that a draw would send them both through to the knockout rounds. This knowledge manifested itself into an uninspiring game that has since been widely accepted as the worst of the tournament, as well as the competition’s only 0-0 draw so far.

Didier Deschamps’ French side did little to suggest that they are finding cohesion on the job, as they did during their run to the Euro 2016 final, while Age Hareide’s Danish outfit looked bereft of ideas, particularly on the ball. Nonetheless, there were, as always, some interesting tactical tid-bits to keep the neutral engaged – if not entertained – which we will analyse here.

LINE-UPS

With progress to the round of 16 already secured, Deschamps took the opportunity to experiment not only in terms of personnel but with his formation. Having favoured a rough 4-3-3 for France’s previous two matches, he implemented a 4-2-3-1 for this game. Several key players were rested, namely Hugo Lloris, Samuel Umtiti, Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, and Kylian Mbappe. Steve Mandanda, Presnel Kimpembe, Steven N’Zonzi, Thomas Lemar and Ousmane Dembele took their places respectively.

Denmark didn’t opt for a change of basic formation, sticking with their 4-5-1. However, the introduction of Andreas Christensen to central midfield had the effect of changing the way they shaped up at times, particularly in the defensive phase. Mathias Jorgensen stepped into central defence to cover for this tweak. Elsewhere, Martin Braithwaite and Andreas Cornelius took the places of Yussuf Poulsen and Nicolai Jorgensen.