UEFA Nations League A, Group D: Can Denmark’s Defensive Streak Continue? Spain’s Lineup Holds Uncertainty

As the UEFA Nations League A, Group D reaches its critical stages, the top two teams, Denmark and Spain, are set to clash in a battle that could shape the outcome of the group. Denmark has been flawless defensively, keeping two consecutive clean sheets, while Spain, the reigning European champions, has been prolific in attack, showcasing their firepower with a mix of tactical flexibility and individual brilliance. This upcoming encounter will test Denmark's defensive resilience against Spain's potent offense, with both teams vying for control of the group.

Denmark: The Defensive Fortress

Denmark has emerged as the only team in Group D that has yet to concede a goal after two rounds of matches. Their rock-solid defense has been the foundation of their early success, as they secured 2-0 victories against both Switzerland and Serbia. While questions linger about whether Denmark’s performances have truly elevated them to the level of serious contenders for the Nations League title, their defensive organization and tactical discipline are undeniable.

In their opening match against Switzerland, Denmark benefited from a bizarre sequence of events where their opponents had two players sent off, turning the game in Denmark's favor. Though this red card situation was somewhat unexpected, Denmark capitalized on it effectively. However, their second match, a 2-0 victory over Serbia, showcased the true strength of this Danish side. Not relying on opposition mistakes, Denmark controlled the game through a combination of physical dominance and technical precision.

Denmark’s key to success has been their ability to combine intelligent positioning with strong individual defending. Players like Simon Kjær and Joachim Andersen have been imperious at the back, while the fullbacks have provided both defensive cover and attacking support when needed. Denmark’s balance between defense and attack has been highlighted by their ability to transition smoothly from soaking up pressure to launching quick, incisive counterattacks.

Their second goal against Serbia was a prime example of this balance. After 36 minutes of intense pressure, Denmark worked the ball through the middle with a series of sharp, one-touch passes, unlocking Serbia's defense with a perfectly timed through ball to Jesper Lindstrøm, who calmly slotted home. While the creativity of players like Lindstrøm and Christian Eriksen has been essential, the towering presence of Yussuf Poulsen in the attack has given Denmark a direct option when needed. Poulsen’s physicality and intelligent hold-up play have been key to Denmark’s ability to stretch opposition defenses, and his goal-scoring form has added another dimension to their attack.

In the second half against Serbia, Poulsen’s spectacular bicycle kick sealed the game, demonstrating his red-hot form and sharp finishing. His performance so far in the Nations League has been a testament to his versatility as a striker, able to provide a focal point for Denmark’s attack while also linking play effectively with the midfield. With Poulsen in such fine form, Denmark’s chances of continuing their goal-scoring and defensive streak look strong heading into the match against Spain.

Spain: The Champions Seek Consistency

Spain, meanwhile, comes into this fixture as the newly crowned European champions. Their triumph at Euro 2024 solidified their place among Europe’s elite, and they have carried that momentum into the Nations League, though with some hiccups along the way. In their first two matches, Spain demonstrated their attacking prowess but also revealed defensive vulnerabilities that could be exploited by a well-drilled Denmark side.

In their opening game against Serbia, Spain dominated the match, recording 21 shots on goal. However, despite their offensive barrage, they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Serbian side that managed to withstand Spain’s relentless pressure. Spain’s inability to convert their dominance into a victory raised concerns about their efficiency in front of goal, especially when faced with teams willing to sit deep and absorb pressure.

Spain’s attacking lineup for that game featured a more fluid, interchangeable front line, which created plenty of chances but lacked a cutting edge inside the box. That changed in their second match, a 4-1 thrashing of Switzerland, where coach Luis de la Fuente made a crucial tactical adjustment by starting José Luis Mato, better known as Joselu, as the central striker. The introduction of Joselu provided Spain with a more direct, physical presence in the box, which immediately paid dividends.

Just nine minutes into the match, Spain took the lead through a Joselu header, expertly directed into the back of the net following a pinpoint cross from young sensation Lamine Yamal. This early goal was a clear indicator of how much Spain benefits from having a true center forward in their lineup, someone who can capitalize on the creativity of their wingers and midfielders by occupying defenders and providing a reliable target in the box.

Spain continued to dominate Switzerland, and by the 15th minute, they had doubled their lead. Fabian Ruiz pounced on a loose ball inside the box to score, giving Spain a commanding 2-0 advantage before the game had even settled. However, Spain’s defensive fragility reared its head once again when Robin Le Normand, one of their key center-backs, was sent off for a professional foul after being beaten by Swiss striker Breel Embolo in a physical battle. Le Normand’s red card highlighted a worrying trend in Spain’s defense—an inability to deal with direct, physical forwards. This is something Denmark, with Poulsen leading the line, will undoubtedly look to exploit.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Spain managed to weather Switzerland’s resurgence, thanks in large part to Joselu’s defensive contributions during set pieces and crosses. The big striker dropped deep to help Spain defend, using his height to clear dangerous balls into the box. His all-around performance earned him Man of the Match honors, capped off by a superb long pass late in the game that set up a counterattack, leading to Spain’s third goal. Spain added a fourth in the dying minutes, sealing a resounding victory, but the red card and defensive issues will be a concern heading into the Denmark match.

Tactical and Lineup Considerations for the Clash

For Spain, the biggest question heading into the match against Denmark is their lineup. De la Fuente is known for rotating his squad, especially during these international breaks, and with Spain already showing their offensive firepower, the temptation to rest key players is strong. That said, Denmark’s solid performances and unbeaten run may force De la Fuente to field a near-full-strength squad.

Much of Spain’s game plan will depend on whether Joselu is once again trusted to lead the line. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play, as well as his defensive contributions during set pieces, could prove vital against a Danish side that excels in aerial duels. If De la Fuente opts to rest Joselu, Spain could revert to a more fluid front line with players like Alvaro Morata or Ferran Torres, which would provide pace and mobility but might lack the physicality needed to break down Denmark’s disciplined defense.

In midfield, Spain’s depth gives them an array of options. Rodri and Pedri are likely to start, offering control and creativity, while Gavi could also feature, adding energy and pressing from deeper areas. The key for Spain will be how well they can transition from possession-based dominance to breaking through Denmark’s compact defensive lines. Spain will need to be more clinical in front of goal than they were against Serbia if they are to break Denmark’s clean sheet streak.

Denmark, by contrast, is unlikely to make many changes to the lineup that has served them well so far. Manager Kasper Hjulmand knows the importance of continuity, especially in defense, and with his team’s impressive record, there’s little reason to tinker. Poulsen will once again be the focal point of Denmark’s attack, supported by the likes of Lindstrøm and Eriksen, who will look to create opportunities from midfield. Hjulmand will be aware of Spain’s defensive frailties and will likely instruct his team to press aggressively, especially when the ball is played into the wide areas.

Defensively, Denmark’s fullbacks will have a crucial role to play. Spain’s wingers, particularly Yamal, have shown they can create chances from wide positions, and Denmark’s ability to defend crosses will be tested. But with the towering presence of Kjær and Andersen, Denmark will fancy their chances of keeping Spain’s attackers at bay, especially if Joselu is not in the starting XI.

A Battle of Contrasting Styles

This match promises to be a fascinating contest between two teams with contrasting styles. Spain’s possession-heavy, attacking football will come up against Denmark’s disciplined, physical approach. Both teams are in form, and with first place in the group at stake, neither side will want to give an inch.

For Denmark, the challenge will be to continue their excellent defensive work, while also finding a way to exploit Spain’s vulnerabilities on the counterattack. Spain, on the other hand, will need to remain focused at the back and find the right balance between resting key players and fielding a team capable of breaking down Denmark’s defense.

As the Nations League group stages near their conclusion, this top-of-the-table clash could very well decide the fate of Group D. Both teams have shown they have the quality to progress, but only one can take control of the group—and the battle between Denmark’s defense and Spain’s attack will likely be the deciding factor.