The first goalless draw of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia has seen Denmark progress to the Round of 16, joining today’s opponents France – who top Group C ahead of the Danes.

 

With ten changes across the two sides, there was a certain lack of cohesion to each team’s play. Christian Eriksen went closest for the Danes on two occasions, either side of the interval. The first chance saw him denied by a combination of Steve Mandanda – the oldest French player to make his World Cup debut, aged 33 – and Lucas Hernandez. After the break, the No10 snatched at an opening after some nice build-up play.

France, for their part, looked largely uninspired – even with their talisman Antoine Griezmann starting up front. Kylian Mbappe made a late cameo, but his introduction could not break the deadlock.