What is France worth in 2022 terms? The victory over Australia in the World Cup opener in Qatar sparked optimism, yet it did not erase all doubts about the title holder because the opponent offered real arguments. The next test comes against Denmark, a side that has already given it two tough fights this year and could again pose a serious challenge.
France will aim to show its authentic form on the night. Didier Deschamps has warned that the plan might be a choice between fielding a bold attack or safeguarding the balance that has kept the group competitive. The 974 Stadium in Doha could either witness a continuation of the march or a moment of reckoning for the champions after their first win.
Finding a better benchmark than Denmark is tough. The Danish side has ample quality to push any opponent to its limits, and for France there is a residual caution from past close encounters that leaves the memory of recent battles still fresh.
Kasper Hjulmand’s squad beat France 2-1 in Saint-Denis in June and then won 2-0 in Copenhagen three months later in the Nations League, making them the first country to beat France three times in a single calendar year. It is not a simple assignment, especially in a World Cup context where injuries have disrupted preparations. France must respect the challenge while aiming to extend a positive run against a stubborn rival.
Surprises are unlikely, but Denmark comes into the match with a clear plan and enough resilience to disrupt any rhythm. The French dressing room knows the stakes: beating Denmark would push the team’s level beyond what was shown against Australia while maintaining the momentum built during the campaign so far.
On the squad path, the Danish side arrives with confidence from two wins this year, a foundation for testing France’s defenses and for mounting their own offensive. The map suggests a game where France will be urged to balance aggressiveness with discipline, not allowing the tempo to slip away. The Danish captaincy and the energy from the midfield will be crucial if Denmark wants to spring a surprise in a match that could define how they view their own campaign.
The French coach is weighing his options as kickoff approaches. Will he lean on a more forward-driven approach that used four attackers with Antoine Griezmann as a link, or will he tighten the midfield to shield his backline? The defense remains under scrutiny as well, with Varane potentially returning to steady the center, while Koundé could slot in at right-back if needed. The back line balance and the front three of Mbappé, Dembele, and Giroud will be watched closely for signs of the team’s latest evolution.
From the opening performance, the midfield trio of Rabiot, Tchouaméni, and the rest of the unit sparked the game with fluid moments, while the attack found it easier to threaten when the ball moved quickly and with purpose. The challenge for France is to sustain that intensity, avoiding the unease that can creep in when a familiar opponent refuses to yield. Denmark, for its part, is ready to chase every ball and create pressure that could test the goalkeeper and the central axis at the heart of France’s defense.
A tense night is on the horizon, and the Danish camp will assess ways to disrupt the French game without inviting too many risks. The best approach might be to blend tenacity with clever ball circulation, forcing France to break down a well-organized defense while staying compact at the back. The result could hinge on the little margins: positional discipline, pressing intensity, and the execution in the final third.
The tactical duel promises to be fascinating. Hjulmand will aim to shape a maze for the French, favoring a game that relies on quick passes and smart movement rather than a straightforward, direct style. Plays from Eriksen and Højbjerg will be pivotal, as will the crosses and runs from Skov Olsen and the flank players. France will respond with a lineup capable of flexibility, pressing high or dropping back, depending on Denmark’s shape and the moment in the match.
Possible rosters:
France: Pavard or Koundé, Konaté or Varane, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Dembele, Giroud, Mbappé
Denmark: Schmeichel; Andersen, Kjær, Christensen; Kristensen, Hojbjerg, Eriksen, Maehle; Skov Olsen, Cornelius or Dolberg, Damsgaard
Referee: Szymon Marciniak
Kick-off: 19:00 (17:00 CET, 16:00 GMT)
Venue: 947 Stadium in Doha