After coming from behind to beat Northern Ireland last week, Denmark have one more assignment scheduled for the summer period – a clash with Lithuania on home turf.
Coach Brian Reimer decided to take some risks against NI and gave some playtime to a handful of debutants. It clearly didn't work out as Northern Ireland needed just six minutes to find the net. It took a while but Denmark found their way back into the game and won 2-1 thanks to a winning tap-in by Christian Eriksen late into the second half.
Denmark have no official assignments this summer, with the next World Championship qualifications scheduled for September. So this will be Reimer's last chance to figure out the most suitable squad for the important games ahead.
The situation is a bit different for Lithuania, who already played three qualification rounds and are yet to win a match. And while the back-to-back draws could even be considered an improvement, they extended Lithuania's winless run to 10 games in a row. Their last win was over a year ago at the Baltic Cup. Since then, the Rinktine lost eight in a row before the two recent draws in the qualifications.
How the bookies view it: This one should be easier for Denmark
Bookmakers don't see how Lithuania could challenge Denmark and give the hosts a massive betting advantage. You can pick the Danish Dynamites at 3/20, while Lithuania sit at 16/1. Alternatively, you can push for the draw at 13/2.
Recent head to head: Back at it 30 years later
The fact is there haven't been any recent H2Hs, as these two national teams last met over 30 years ago in the World Cup qualifiers in 92/93. Back then, Denmark managed a 0-0 draw away, followed by an outright 4-0 on home turf.
Players to watch: Eriksen needs to show his best performance
Brian Reimer has one of the youngest national team squads on his hands, and quite a few players will want to prove themselves. But we have to give Christian Eriksen a shout-out, as the 33-year-old midfielder continues to be the main man in the team. He scored the winner against Northern Ireland and currently has no team after leaving Manchester United a few weeks ago. He will want to impress scouts worldwide in search for his next team.
Probable line-ups
Denmark: Jorgensen, Maehle, Vestergaard, Hogsberg, Kristensen, Eriksen, Norgaard, Hojbjerg, Isaksen, Hojlund, Damsgaard
Lithuania: Gertmonas, Upstas, Kazukolovas, Utkus, Tutyskinas, Vorobjovas, Gineitis, Dolznikov, Slivka, Lasickas, Paulauskas
Anything else catch the eye?
Denmark have always been known as a notorious host, regardless if its a friendly match or not. The Danish Dynamites conceded just three home defeats in the last four years – to Belgium, Spain, and Croatia. So anything but the win here would be shocking.
Lithuania haven't won an away game against a national team within FIFA's Top 100 in years, and based on their recent performances, we don't see it changing now. Denmark rarely concede goals at home, and when they do, it is against the best in the world. We envision a 2-0 or a 3-0 if Reimer picks the strong squad we envision.
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