Czechia Battles Denmark in High-Stakes World Cup Playoff: Key Predictions, Tactical Insights, and Expected Lineups

Denmark is aiming to secure qualification for a third straight World Cup when they face Czechia in Tuesday's playoff final.

The Danes, who reached the Euro 2020 semifinals under Kasper Hjulmand before bowing out early in Qatar, have been managed by Brian Riemer since the last European Championships. Given their resurgence in European football, automatic qualification for this summer's tournament seemed a formality, but they were edged out of top spot in their qualifying group by Scotland.

As a result, Denmark had to settle for a playoff berth, though they made easy work of North Macedonia on Thursday, romping to a comfortable 4–0 victory.

Czechia, by contrast, had to dig deep to eliminate the Republic of Ireland, recovering from a 2–0 first-half deficit. Pulling a goal back quickly proved crucial in sparking a comeback that was ultimately sealed on penalties.

Czechia are two-time World Cup finalists, yet they haven't featured in the tournament since 2006, the same year they climbed to second in FIFA's global rankings.

Despite finishing well behind Croatia in their qualifying group, the Czechs edged out a strong challenge from the Faroe Islands to claim second place and advance to the playoffs.

Czechia vs. Denmark Score Prediction

Denmark put in an impressive display in their semifinal against relatively modest opposition, but Tuesday's final is unlikely to be anywhere near as straightforward.

The visitors boast the stronger squad on paper, with a well-rounded midfield, attacking fullbacks, and enough goal threat to test solid defenses. However, Czechia are a resilient side who are notoriously difficult to beat on home turf.

They went through qualifying unbeaten at home, holding group winners Croatia to a scoreless draw. There is clear motivation within the Czech camp to end their 20-year absence from the World Cup, though they will need to defy the odds to get there.

Prediction: Czechia 0–1 Denmark

Czechia Predicted Lineup vs. Denmark

Coach Miroslav Koubek may be tempted to ring the changes from Thursday's starting eleven, considering the slow start his side endured and the physical and mental toll their comeback victory would have taken.

West Ham United's Tomas Souček is one player who could force his way into the starting XI, having played a key role in turning the semifinal around. His aerial threat from set pieces makes him a valuable asset on big occasions like this.

Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick was Czechia's top scorer in qualifying with five goals and is virtually certain to lead the line against Denmark. He will be supported in attack by Pavel Šulc, who has been in impressive form in Ligue 1 with Lyon this season.

Czechia predicted lineup vs. Denmark (3-4-2-1): Kovář; Chaloupek, Hranáč, Krejčí; Coufal, Souček, Darida, Sadílek; Provod, Šulc; Schick.

Denmark Predicted Lineup vs. Czechia

Denmark are missing Patrick Dorgu this international window due to the hamstring injury he picked up during Manchester United's thrilling 3–2 win over Arsenal back in February.

With Dorgu sidelined, Wolfsburg's Joakim Mæhle is expected to continue at left back, a role he excelled in as a wingback under former boss Hjulmand.

Christian Eriksen is no longer the focal point of this side, now coming off the bench in a more limited capacity. A formidable midfield trio of the hardworking Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and the composed Victor Froholdt will be central to Denmark's hopes of getting a result on the road Tuesday night.

Lazio's Gustav Isaksen heads into the final on the back of a brace against North Macedonia, with Mikkel Damsgaard also getting on the scoresheet on Thursday.

Denmark predicted lineup vs. Czechia (4-3-3): Hermansen; Bah, Nørgaard, Nelsson, Mæhle; Højbjerg, Hjulmand, Froholdt; Isaksen, Højlund, Damsgaard.

What Time Does Czechia vs. Denmark Kick Off?

How to Watch Czechia vs. Denmark on TV, Live Stream