Denmark succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to France in a mouth-watering round-two fixture of the 2022 World Cup Group D, throwing their progression hopes into doubt. Another sub-par performance from the Danes means they need to beat Australia on the final group matchday to make it out of this section.
Denmark failed to live up to their favorite tag against Tunisia on day one. Kasper Hjulmand’s team produced an underwhelming showing against the Eagles of Carthage and had to settle for a tepid goalless draw. With their bid to make it out of the World Cup group stages for the second tournament running up in the air, the Nordic country came into this fixture pursuing all three points.
Seeking redemption against the reigning world champions, Denmark headed into proceedings on the back of a stunning UEFA Nations League double over France. With no nation ever beating Les Bleus three times in a single calendar year, De Rød-Hvide had an opportunity to make history in Doha.
However, a thoroughly abysmal first-half performance witnessed Hjulmand’s team attempt a measly two shots on goal without forcing a save from Hugo Lloris. They at least did a fine job restricting France to a handful of opportunities.
Falling behind early in the second half was a wake-up call for Denmark, as Andreas Christensen drew them level in an instant. But back to old habits, they immediately dropped them and came close to regretting that decision on several occasions. Kylian Mbappe eventually made them pay in the 86th minute, casting major doubt on their hopes of reaching the knockouts.
Denmark (3-4-3)
Kasper Schmeichel – 6.5
The veteran goalkeeper came up huge to deny Adrien Rabiot’s thumping header in the first half while providing safety and confidence from the back throughout the game.
Victor Nelsson – 6.5
Another decent performance from the in-demand Galatasaray center-back saw Nelsson neck and neck with Milan frontman Olivier Giroud for large spells throughout the game.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Unlike his abovementioned defensive partner, Christiansen’s poor anticipation forced him to risk receiving a straight red for holding Kylian Mbappe from the back in a risky situation. Made amends by heading home an inch-perfect cross from Christian Eriksen to restore parity.
Joachim Andersen – 6.5
His intimidating defensive presence proved enough to keep Giroud silent.
Joakim Maehle – 6
Nowhere to be seen in the front third, the Atalanta full-back at least lived up to expectations on the other side of the field. His tenaciousness and positioning helped him go toe-to-toe with Barcelona speed demon Ousmane Dembele.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5
Just when you think the former Inter flop would go back-to-back World Cup appearances without doing anything meaningful, he served Christensen on a silver platter with a masterclass corner-kick delivery.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 6
Full of running and energy, the creative midfielder failed to live up to his stellar playmaking reputation. Yet his defensive contribution cannot be overlooked.
Rasmus Kristensen – 6.5
Apart from nutmegging Theo Hernandez in the first half, the Leeds United defender was kept quiet in the attacking movements but starred at the back, putting Mbappe in his back pocket.
Mikkel Damsgaard – 5
Not even a shadow of a player that soaked up the limelight as one of Denmark’s best-performing players at Euro 2020, the Sampdoria creative midfielder oftentimes looked clueless and out of steam.
Andreas Cornelius – 3.5
Using the phrase ‘stealth mode’ would perhaps be the best way to illustrate Cornelius’ showing in Doha. No wonder Hjulmand kept him in the locker room at halftime.
Jesper Lindstrom – 5.5
After a troublesome first half, the Eintracht Frankfurt forward found his feet in the remainder of the game but struggled for the end product.
Read our Player Ratings for France
Substitutes
Martin Braithwaite – 6
Replaced invisible Cornelius at the start of the second half and spurned a golden opportunity to win it for Denmark late in the game.