Spain vs Denmark Prediction: 12/10/2024

Since Luis de la Fuente took over as head coach following the 2022 World Cup, Spain has been on a high, securing titles. Maintaining their signature style, La Roja has also introduced more verticality to their play, which helped them clinch the Nations League title in June 2023.

Spain’s momentum continued during Euro 2024, where Lamine Yamal and his teammates dominated, leading the group stage and defeating Georgia 4-1 in the Round of 16, Germany 2-1 in the quarterfinals after extra time, France 2-1 in the semifinals, and England 2-1 in the final.

With their status as European champions, Spain kicked off this year’s Nations League campaign in September, looking to defend their crown. They began with a 0-0 draw in Serbia, followed by an impressive 4-1 win in Switzerland.

In the previous Nations League edition, Denmark narrowly missed reaching the final four, finishing just one point behind Croatia in their group. This year, led by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Denmark has had an excellent start, topping Group 4 with wins against Switzerland and Serbia, both by 2-0 margins at home. Denmark also participated in Euro 2024, where they put up resilient performances, drawing all three group matches against England, Slovenia, and Serbia, securing second place. However, their journey ended in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 loss to hosts Germany.

Spain will be without several key players for this gathering. Goalkeeper Unai Simón (Bilbao, 46 caps), defenders Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, 51 caps) and Robin Le Normand (Atlético Madrid, 19 caps), as well as midfielders Rodri (Manchester City, 57 caps) and Dani Olmo (Barcelona, 11 goals in 40 caps), are absent, despite playing important roles during Euro 2024. Also missing are Barcelona’s Fermin López (2 caps), Gavi (27 caps), and Ferran Torres (21 goals in 48 caps).

However, key wingers Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, 3 goals in 16 caps) and Nico Williams (Bilbao, 4 goals in 22 caps) are available, along with captain Álvaro Morata (AC Milan, 36 goals in 80 caps). Key players like Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr, 37 caps), Fabián Ruiz (PSG, 31 caps), and Pedri (Barcelona, 26 caps) will also be present. On Denmark’s side, they will be missing defenders Andreas Christensen (Barcelona, 74 caps) and Joakim Mæhle (Wolfsburg, 11 goals in 49 caps), as well as midfielders Mathias Jensen (Brentford, 30 caps), Morten Frendrup (Genoa, 1 cap), and Matt O’Riley (Brighton, 2 caps).

Several players who contributed to Denmark’s victories in September have solidified their spots. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (Celtic, 107 caps), defender Joachim Andersen (Fulham, 38 caps), captain and midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (OM, 83 caps), and playmaker Christian Eriksen (Manchester United, 42 goals in 136 caps) are all expected to play key roles. Winger Mads Grønbæk (Rennes, 1 goal in 2 games), who scored against Serbia, made an impressive debut, while striker Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United, 7 goals in 18 games) returns after missing the last round.

 

Prediction

While Denmark remains in contention for a playoff spot, their form has dipped in recent months, accumulating just 12 points from their last 11 games. On the other hand, Spain has been dominant at home, winning 14 of their last 19 matches and scoring a total of 46 goals.

Prediction: Spain 1 : 0 Denmark