- Denmark look the more likely winners after a confident performance in their 4-0 win over North Macedonia last time out.
- Czech Republic have been solid, yet uninspiring.
- A single-leg play-off final always adds pressure, but there’s extra intrigue due to these two nations’ recent head-to-head history.
Tight encounter likely in Czech Republic-Denmark play-off
Denmark enter this World Cup play-off final in much better shape than Czech Republic after their 4-0 demolition of North Macedonia in the semi-final last time out. Kasper Dolberg and Joakim Mæhle looked deadly in tandem on the counter-attack in that win, while the Danes’ ability to transition quickly, dictate the play and finish off set pieces made them a force to be reckoned with in that match.
Betting on under 2.5 goals, however, makes the most sense for this clash considering the competitive records and playing styles of both sides, with the Danes being given the edge by the bookmakers as slight favourites at 1/1, while the Czechs are priced up at 57/20.
It’s not that the hosts are particularly poor, but the visitors are just fizzing right now and they will feel that they have the better opportunity to secure a World Cup place on Tuesday. Czech Republic came through a tense, 2-2 draw with Republic of Ireland and subsequent 4-3 penalty shootout victory to book their place in this clash, displaying composure in the biggest moments.
Czechs can cause a stir in the Czech capital
Their performance was uninspiring, however, and that 3-0 win that Denmark secured over them in World Cup qualifying last year may have given them an edge in terms of motivation for this one. This is a competitive match between two nations that have each secured historic quarter-final victories in tournament football - Czechia came out 3-0 winners at Euro 2004, while Denmark edged their way to a 2-1 victory in 2020. There’s no doubting that both sets of players will be up for this game.
Miroslav Koubek has certainly done a good job in forging a pragmatic and compact side who will defend with numbers in central areas and try to win the football match when they can, with Patrik Schick their main threat. Tomáš Souček is the pivot of their midfield, providing a physical presence, an aerial threat at set pieces and the ability to dictate the tempo.
Denmark are a more attack-minded side, although Brian Riemer usually sets them up in a disciplined 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape, meaning they will always keep a defensive structure when out of possession, and a compact and solid defence are key components to their success.
Danish dynamism to get the better of the Czechs
Christian Eriksen is the heart of Denmark’s play, and the attacking midfielder remains a key creative force in recent international campaigns. The quality and momentum of the visitors means we’re backing them to edge out their hosts here in what will be a tense and cagey encounter.
Both sides will be desperate to make the most of this chance to make it to the World Cup and earn the extra profile and increased marketability that could come with a World Cup qualification, so it should be all systems go.
