Group D
Group D lies host to the two of the best sides in Europe as France and Denmark look to make it a memorable tournament, with Australia and Tunisia looking to shock a few a people.
The majority of people don't view Denmark as a footballing ‘superpower’ with most just brushing them aside as the creators of Lego and Danish Pastries. However, the Danes have a solid footballing history for a country that has a smaller population than London.
The Red and Whites have played in five World Cups prior to Qatar only failing to get out the Group Stage on one occasion.
In 1992 Denmark won their only major trophy as the Danes defeated Germany in the final of the Swedish Euros.
History nearly repeated itself when in 2021 Denmark went on another fine Euros run.
After losing their opening two matches to Finland and Belgium most would've accepted Denmark’s fate in the tournament. However a fantastic 4-1 win over Russia in their final group game was enough for the Danes to progress to the knockouts.
Following victories over Wales and the Czech Republic, Denmark travelled to Wembley to take on England in the semi final; and the Danes looked as though they were on their way to the final when a stunning free kick from Mikkel Damsgaard handed them the lead but a Simon Kjaer own goal took the game to extra time.
When in extra time England were awarded and penalty. Even though he was being blinded by a laser, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel saved Harry Kane’s spot kick but the England striker reacted quickly following up to score the rebound.
Denmark will be looking to go one further than the semis in Qatar and to be fair to them there’s no reason why they can't.
Australia are a relatively new country to the international scene as prior to 2006 the Aussies had only qualified for one World Cup.
Following a recent resurgence, the Socceroos have appeared at the past four World Cups.
In 2006 they reached the last 16 however in South Africa, Brazil and Russia they failed to make it out of their group.
Australia qualified for the tournament following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Peru however it’s unlikely that they’ll experience the same highs they enjoyed that night during the World Cup.
Only two members of Australia’s squad play in any of Europe’s top five leagues with Ajdin Hrustic representing Hellas Verona and Awer Mabil playing for Cadiz.
A third place finish in Group D would be a success.
Tunisia come into the World Cup with the same aim as Australia: to finish third.
As a country the Tunisians are just happy to be in Qatar, any points are just an added bonus.
Even though there is quality within the Tunisian ranks there isn't enough to challenge France and Denmark so a Group Stage exit is almost certain.
The current holders France will be looking to avoid the curse that has savaged many previous winners before them.
In 2006 Italy won the World Cup and in 2010 they crashed out in the Group Stages. In 2010 Spain won the World Cup and in 2014 they crashed out in the Group Stage. In 2014 Germany won the World Cup and in 2018 they crashed out in the Group Stage. In 2018 France won the World Cup...
Between 2018 and now Les Bleus have experienced both highs and lows in the international game. At the 2020 Euros France crashed in the second round following a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland. However they avenged this later in the year by winning the Nations League.
The French squad oozes with World Class talent and in reality bowing out of the competition before the semi-finals would be a failure.
My Predictions
DEN 1-0 TUN
FRA 2-1 AUS
TUN 0-0 AUS
FRA 1-0 DEN
AUS 1-2 DEN
TUN 0-3 FRA
1. France
2. Denmark
3. Australia
4. Tunisia
By Nathan Williams
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