Denmark U19 and France U19 Lineups: Denmark U19 and France U19 Clash in Crucial Euro 2024 Encounter
The European Under-19 Championship heats up on Friday as Denmark and France lock horns in a pivotal Group B match at Inver Park, Larne. With contrasting fortunes from their opening fixtures, both sides are eager to make their mark in this prestigious youth tournament.
France kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Turkey. Super-subs Lucas Michal and Jeremy Jacquet turned the tide, with Michal equalizing and Jacquet coolly slotting home a late penalty. This win extended France’s impressive group stage record to nine consecutive victories in the U19 Euros.
Denmark, however, endured a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in their tournament debut. Despite facing 10 men in the closing stages, the Danes couldn’t capitalize and conceded a 79th-minute winner to Iker Bravo. It marked their first loss in regulation time since September 2023, ending a remarkable unbeaten streak.
Team News and Projected Lineups
Denmark’s coach Morten Eskesen is likely to maintain faith in his core group. The central defensive partnership of Ludwig Vraa-Jensen and Villads Nielsen should continue, with Lucas Hogsberg and Mads Lauritsen operating as fullbacks.
Oskar Boesen made a strong case for inclusion after an impactful 30-minute cameo against Spain and could be rewarded with a starting berth. Copenhagen’s Alexander Simmelhack is expected to lead the line, supported by the creative talents of Vito Byskov, who provided an assist in the opener.
Projected Denmark XI (4-3-3): Jorgensen, Bomholt, Vraa-Jensen, Kruger-Johnsen, Byskov, Hogsberg, Lauritsen, Nielsen, Boesen, Simmelhack, Andresen
France’s head coach faces some intriguing selection dilemmas. The impact of substitutes Michal and Jean-Matteo Bahoya against Turkey has given him food for thought. Both players are pushing for starting spots after their game-changing contributions.
Steve Ngoura, with four goals at U19 level, is set to spearhead the attack. The solid backline of Sael Kumbedi, Jeremy Jacquet, Aboubaka Soumahoro, and Dehmaine Assoumani provides a strong foundation for the French side.
Projected France XI (4-3-3): Mayulu, Soumahoro, Jacquet, Ngoura, Michal, Assoumani, Bahoya, Kumbedi, Benama, Y. Gomis, Bengui Joao.
Historical Context and Stakes
Interestingly, these two sides are no strangers to each other. They crossed paths in the qualifying stages, with Denmark securing a 2-1 victory last November. However, France’s pedigree in this competition is formidable, having reached the knockout stages in all of their previous 11 appearances.
A win for France would virtually guarantee their semifinal berth and secure qualification for next year’s U20 World Cup in Chile. Denmark, in their tournament debut, are in dire need of a positive result to keep their hopes alive.
Also Read:
Denmark U19 vs France U19 Prediction
Key Battles to Watch
The midfield tussle between Denmark’s trio of Bomholt, Jorgensen, and Byskov against France’s energetic unit of Benama, Gomis, and Mayulu could prove decisive. Additionally, the performance of forwards like Simmelhack for Denmark and Ngoura for France may well determine the outcome.
With kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM local time, football fans can look forward to an enthralling encounter between two sides brimming with emerging talent. As both teams vie for supremacy in Group B, this match promises to be a showcase of Europe’s brightest young stars.
