Croatia vs Denmark: How to pick the winning Fantasy XI?
What's the story
Croatia take on Denmark in a crunch round of 16 encounter in Sunday's second match at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018. Croatia rested nine players for their final group game against Iceland and they will come all guns blazing. Denmark, too, have been defensively sound. So one must be wondering which players to select in the Dream XI? Here's our guide.
Information
We go with a 4-4-2 formation
Keeping the budget, players' attributes and qualities in mind, we have gone with a 4-4-2 formation. The traditional formation could see fans extract the maximum out of this fixture in terms of winning points.
Defensive duty
Powerful defenders in fray
Denmark goal-keeper Kasper Schmeichel has been in superb form in Russia and gets the nod as the team's custodian. The four-man defense sees Croatia's Dejan Lovren and Denmark's Andreas Christensen. The Premier League duo have hardly set a foot wrong so far. Croatia right-back Sime Vrsaljko gets a place in the side and the experienced Danish left-back Domagoj Vida finds a spot as well.
Mid-field
Modric leads mid-field battle, gets captaincy nod
Luka Modric is having a great run and his presence in the mid-field will bolster Croatia. The in-form player, who has struck twice so far, is our choice as the captain of this XI. Fellow Croatian Rakitic will be partnering him in central mid-field. The ace Christian Eriksen of Denmark gets the nod as vice-captain. Milan Badelj will provide width from the other flank.
Attack
Mandukic, Poulsen lead two-man attack
Versatile Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic gets the attacking role and the forward often comes good in big games. The key for Croatia will be to get the maximum out of the Juventus forward as he gets into key areas throughout the game. He is joined by Denmark's Yussuf Poulsen. The player helped Denmark beat Peru with his lone goal. He could make a mark.