Denmark make the trip to Romania as both teams look to strengthen their chances of getting a place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia next year. Both teams have had average starts in Group E of the European qualification pool but will both need to improve if they want to make it to next summer’s tournament. Denmark are currently 3^rd in the group with 4 points separating them from Poland in top spot while Romania are one place below Denmark.

STATS

• Romania have accumulated 5 points from their first 4 games as they have drawn 2 games, won 1 and lost 1, which isn’t too bad but not the form they’ll have to show to qualify. Their last fixture in the group was a disappointing 3-0 loss to group leaders, Poland.
• Denmark have been marginally better than their opponents and have picked up 6 points in their 4 games but with 2 losses and 2 wins, they certainly could’ve done better. Their last match was a convincing 4-1 win over Kazakhstan and should give them a glimmer of hope heading into this vital away game.
• Romania have managed a poor 6 goals in their 4 games and it’s Adrian Popa who is their leading goal scorer with 2 goals after he scored against Armenia and Montenegro. Seeing as 5 of Romania’s goals came in the game against Armenia, it is very worrying how they’re struggling to score.
• Denmark have only managed one more goal than Romania in their 4 games and it’s Christian Eriksen who is their top scorer with 3 goals. The Spurs playmaker is thriving in an advanced role for the national team and will hope to add to his tally against Romania.

HEAD TO HEAD

The two sides have only met 3 times since 2000 and it’s been completely even in these fixtures as Romania and Denmark have won one game apiece while the other ended in a draw. The last game 3 years ago saw Romania win 2-0 which they will look to repeat.

ROMANIA NEWS

If Romania want to qualify for next summer’s World Cup then they’ll have to beat the best teams in their group and Denmark are certainly the best, along with Poland, in Group E. A win in front of their home fans is definitely possible but they’ll have to be at their best against a strong Denmark team if they want to come away with 3 points. A defensive approach will probably be taken in order to hit their opponents on the break.

Latest matches: Romania

15.11.2016	Inte	Russia	Romania	1:0	L
11.11.2016	Worl	Romania	Poland	0:3	L
11.10.2016	Worl	Kazakhstan	Romania	0:0	D
08.10.2016	Worl	Armenia	Romania	0:5	W
04.09.2016	Worl	Romania	Montenegro	1:1	D

DENMARK NEWS

Denmark should have enough quality in their squad to get themselves through the group but they will need to get their act together and start putting in some more convincing performances to climb up the group into the qualification positions. A win against Romania is expected but at the same time, they will need to guard against complacency so they don’t fall further from Poland at the top of the group.

Latest matches: Denmark

15.11.2016	Inte	Czech Republic	Denmark	1:1	D
11.11.2016	Worl	Denmark	Kazakhstan	4:1	W
11.10.2016	Worl	Denmark	Montenegro	0:1	L
08.10.2016	Worl	Poland	Denmark	3:2	L
04.09.2016	Worl	Denmark	Armenia	1:0	W

SUMMING UP!

There’s no doubt that Denmark are the favourites heading into this one but with Romania playing in front of their fans and with how well they played against Armenia, they certainly have enough to pull a shock out of the bag. If they play anything like they’re capable of, then Denmark should have no problem getting past Romania but it depends which Denmark team turns up on the day.