Finland host Denmark in a top of Group H clash on Sunday, where both nations will be desperate to claim all three points and assert their dominance as the group leader. When the sides met in March, Denmark won 3-1 with ease and new Manchester United signing Rasmus Hojlund ran riot, scoring an impressive hat trick.
Finland
Since losing to Denmark in that opener, Markku Kanerva has created a winning formula that he hopes will allow his side to retain their place at the top of the group after Sunday’s game. Finland have won four consecutive competitive games for the first time since 2019 and they are yet to concede a goal to anyone that isn’t Hojlund.
22-year-old FC Nordsjaelland forward Oliver Antman has been the standout player for Finland, taking the goal scoring responsibility off Teemu Pukki, who has developed into a creator for his nation (4 assists so far). Antman was the heroic matchwinner during Finland’s 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan on Thursday thanks to a marvelous finish in the 78th minute.
Denmark
De Rod-Hvide are two points behind Finland in the group standing, therefore anything less than three points will be seen as a failure by Kasper Hjulmand and his team. There is no doubt that Denmark have far more quality in their squad than Finland and they will have the upper hand going into the game based on their most recent encounter. However, what will concern Hjulmand is that they are still yet to win a game whilst on the road, losing 3-2 to Kazakhstan and drawing 1-1 with Slovenia.
Denmark will need their star forward, Rasmus Hojlund, to inflict similar damage once again, but whether he is fit enough to start remains in question. Luckily for Hjulmand he has a ready-made replacement, Jonas Wind, who has scored 6 goals and registered 3 assists in all competitions this season. Furthermore, with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Jesper Lindstrom and Joakim Maehle all supplying chances, Denmark shouldn’t have too many issues in front of goal.
Verdict?
This game will be close and although both sides want to win, neither will want to lose which could lead to a cagey first half. Fine margins will decide the contest but I believe Denmark will be too strong for the hosts.
The final prediction is Finland 0-2 Denmark.
