Croatia and Denmark to fight for a spot in quarter-final
Luka Modric's Croatia will take on Denmark in the round of 16 encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Croatia have been lethal in this World Cup so far, as they have won all three games in the group stage. But, notably, Denmark haven't lost a fixture as well. Here is all you need to know about this encounter.
Croatia are the favorites heading into this fixture
These two sides have met five times before, and the record stands perfectly balanced. Both sides have won two games each while one fixture ended in a draw. They have met just once in a major tournament- the Euro 1996 where Croatia won the group stage encounter 3-0, courtesy of goals from Davor Suker and Zvonimir Boban.
This is Croatia's second appearance in the knock-out stage
This is just the second time Croatia have reached the knock-out stages of the World Cup. The last time, they achieved the feat was back in 1998. They went on to finish third in the World Cup that year, their best performance at a major tournament. Denmark have reached the knock-out stages of the World Cup for the fourth time in their five appearances.
Croatia score most of their goals in the second half
Croatia weave their magic in the second half of the game. They have scored 6 of their 7 goals this World Cup in the second half. Zlatko Dalic's side have been clinical with five of their last six shots, on target, finding the back of the net. Croatia have just conceded one goal in the tournament so far, which was a penalty against Iceland.
Denmark face injury woes, Croatia have a fully fit squad
Croatia are expected to name a full-strength side after resting key players in the 2-1 victory against Iceland. The likes of Ivan Rakitic, Dejan Lovren and Mario Mandzukic should feature against Denmark. Denmark's William Kvist is doubtful after breaking two ribs in the opening game while Yussuf Poulsen returns after completing his one-game ban.
Croatia: Probable Starting XI
Danijel Subasic, Sime Vrsaljko, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, Ivan Strinic, Ivan Rakitic, Milan Badelj, Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic
Denmark: Probable Starting XI
Kasper Schmeichel, Jens Stryger Larsen, Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer, Henrik Dalsgaard, Lasse Schone, Thomas Delaney, Pione Sisto, Christian Eriksen, Yussuf Yurary Poulsen and Nicolai Jorgensen
