France and Denmark go into their match on Saturday as Group D’s clear favourites for winners and runners-up, respectively. Les Bleus will be full of confidence after smashing Australia 4-1 in their opening match just after Denmark drew against Tunisia – but France will have little cause for complacency after Denmark’s sparkling run over the past year and a half.
Many World Cup trophy-holders seem cursed – as evidenced by France’s 2002 debacle after their celebrated victory in 1998. But Les Bleus gave a clear sign they are bucking the trend with a formidable performance against Australia on Tuesday. It was a performance worthy of champions – and it does not augur well for their Danish opponents on Saturday.
