Qualification to the Quarterfinals of Women’s Euro 2022 is on the line for both sides as Spain and Denmark descends into a huge battle in Group B.
The Danes have to win the game to have a shot while the pressure is low on La Roja as they need only a draw to join group toppers Germany into the last eight. The winners of this game will meet hosts England in the quarterfinal stage.
DEN vs SPA Match Details
Date: Saturday, 16th July 2022/ Sunday, 17th July 2022
Time: 20:00 (BST)/ 00:30 (IST)
Venue: Community Stadium, Brentford
DEN vs SPA Match Preview
When Pernille Harder finally managed to break the deadlock against a stubborn Finland side on the 72nd minute everyone in Denmark breathed a sigh of relief. The fear of early elimination was at least postponed to the last group stage match as the Dane after the win leveled themselves in points with Spain. Another victory will settle their place in the quarterfinals but as the result of their first game suggest, a crushing 4-0 loss to Germany, the defence needs work. Fair enough the Germans glided past this branded ‘group of death’ with ease going on to defeat Spain 2-0 in the next game to seal qualification. By no means the defeat makes La Roja weaker so Denmark have to be very careful on Saturday before taking on the opposition. On another day, Spain’s possession football bear results in front of the goal. Hence, solidity at the back is a must. They could turn to Pernille Harder to produce another inspiring moment with her goals as even a draw will not help the Red and Whites for their inferior goal difference. They have also not won against Spain in their history so the chance is there for them to put all misery to rest at Brentford. Lars Sondegaard’s side cannot afford anything other than a win.
Spain was all set to upset the Germans with their incursive passing game but lacked the decisive cutting edge to their play. Their opponents were massively clinical with two shots on target and added to their opening day victory with a 2-0 win in this significant clash. Spain dug their own grave for the first goal with goalkeeper Sandra Panos gifting a pass straight to Klara Buhl under no pressure for the Germany forward to finish elegantly before Alexandria Popp headed from the corner to finish Spain in the first half itself. La Roja tried for the entirety of the game to get back into the game but failed to breach the disciplined German defence with Merle Frohms’ excellent saves beneath the three sticks. Both Alexia Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso’s absence was felt as Lucia Garcia failed to convert the golden chance to equalize for La Roja with only Frohms to beat. Coach Jorge Vilda is adamant to get his team back to winning ways after the defeat ended their 24-match unbeaten run and will be willing to field a striker this time around to be a focal point to convert the chances created. The Danes won’t be an easy opponent to cherish for the final group game but their recent record against them could be helpful.
Recent Form
DEN: WLLWW
ESP: LWDWW
DEN vs SPA Team News
Denmark have midfielder Kathrine Kuhl back in contention after missing the last game through suspension although she will start from the bench. Rikke Madsen could be thirst back to the front three after not featuring in the win over Finland. The rest of the team will remain unchanged.
Laia Alexandri ran through some individual drills before joining the team training as she carried a niggle in her hamstring from the Germany game but coach Jorge Vilda says everyone is available for Spain. La Roja are expected to move back to their 4-3-3 formation with Esther Gonzalez leading from the front.
DEN vs SPA Expected Lineups
DEN: Lene Christensen; Rikke Sevecke, Stine Pedersen, Katrine Veje; Sara Thrige, Sanne Troelsgaard, Junge-Pedersen, Janni Thomsen; Rikke Madsen, Pernille Harder, Signe Bruun
ESP: Sandra Panos; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Mapi Leon, Leila Ouahabi; Aitana Bonmati, Laia Aleixandri, Patricia Guijarro; Lucia Garcia, Esther Gonzalez, Mariona Caldentey
DEN vs SPA Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Christensen (8.5)
DEF: Batlle (8.5), Paredes (8.5), Leon (8.5), Veje (8.5),
MID: Thomsen (8.5), Guijarro (8.5), Bonmati (9), Caldentey (10)
FW: L. Garcia (9.5), Harder (10)
Captain: Aitana Bonmarti (Spain)
Vice-Captain: Mariona Caldentey (Spain)
