High stakes in Copenhagen: form, selection, and the chess match ahead
Only the group winner punches a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup. The runner-up faces a playoff. In a tight, four-team Group C that also includes Greece and Belarus, even matchday one can swing the mood of a whole campaign. That’s the backdrop for Denmark vs Scotland at Parken Stadium on Friday, September 5, with kickoff at 7:45pm UK time.
Denmark land in Copenhagen with momentum. June friendlies were tidy and controlled, capped by a 5-0 cruise past Lithuania. The spine looks settled under Kasper Hjulmand: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s reliability in midfield, Andreas Christensen’s calm at the back, and a forward line that can hurt you in different ways—Rasmus Højlund’s running in behind, Kasper Dolberg’s penalty-box craft. At home, Denmark are usually assertive, tidy on the ball, and ruthless from set plays.
Scotland roll in with something they haven’t always had in past qualifying cycles: depth. Steve Clarke has built a squad with real top-flight experience, and that shows in how they manage games. The 4-0 win over Liechtenstein was a confidence boost, but the bigger picture is the balance across the pitch. Scott McTominay (Manchester United) remains a key runner and goal threat from midfield. There’s power up front with Lyndon Dykes available, and energy out wide with Aaron Hickey fit and flying. Young winger Ben Doak adds spark if Clarke wants a late-game jolt.
These teams know each other. In the 2022 World Cup qualifying cycle, Denmark won 2-0 in Copenhagen; Scotland answered with a 2-0 win at Hampden. Both games were decided by control of the middle third. Expect the same again. Denmark will try to pin Scotland back with patient phases and early crosses toward the near post. Scotland’s plan leans on shape: a compact back five without the ball, wing-backs ready to spring forward, and quick transitions through John McGinn and McTominay. Clarke’s side are dangerous on second balls and love a set piece routine around the back post.
If you’re looking for the swing zone, it’s the duels in midfield. Højbjerg and his partner—whether it’s a passer to step between the lines or a destroyer to break play—must handle Scottish pressure when the ball turns over. For Scotland, the first five seconds after they win possession are everything. Can they find Dykes early, or switch play to drag Denmark’s back line wider than it wants to be?
Personnel-wise, Denmark’s back four is usually stable, with Christensen marshalling the line and the full-backs pushing high. Højlund stretches the defense vertically, which also creates room for late runners. If Dolberg starts, the Danes gain penalty-area presence; if they go with a wide forward, they gain pace on the outside. Scotland’s selection toggles between a front two look—Dykes plus a runner—or a lone striker with two aggressive midfielders tipping into the box. The wing-back positions are key: Hickey on the right and the left side—whether it’s Andy Robertson or a rotation—set the tempo for how high Scotland can squeeze.
Parken will be loud and partisan. Denmark typically press high in front of their home crowd during the first 15–20 minutes. Survive that, and Scotland can make this into the kind of game they like: gritty, disciplined, decided by a moment at a set piece or a late counter. If Denmark score early, the hosts will try to control the rest of the night through tempo and ball circulation, forcing Scotland to chase.
One last note on rhythm: both managers prefer clean structures over chaos. Hjulmand’s Denmark rarely rush their attacks. Clarke’s Scotland rarely overcommit numbers. That points to a tactical match where patience and rest defense matter as much as big chances. A single mistake—an untidy clearance, a missed mark on a corner—could be the difference.
Odds, how to watch, kickoff times, and what matters
Odds: The market leans Denmark. At home, they’ll be priced odds-on by most major sportsbooks, with the draw in the mid-range and Scotland as the outside play. That reflects Denmark’s strong home record and Scotland’s likely conservative setup. If you prefer markets over match outcomes, expect tight pricing on under 2.5 goals and elevated interest in set-piece goal props—both teams rely on dead balls in tight games.
What the odds imply: Books expect Denmark to control territory, Scotland to play for moments, and a narrow scoreline either way. Unders trend when the stakes are high and the away side is well organized, which fits this matchup.
How to watch: Broadcast partners vary by territory. In the UK, national-team qualifiers are typically carried by subscription sports networks with streaming options; check your EPG or your provider’s app on matchday. In Denmark, coverage is usually shared by the primary terrestrial broadcasters. In North America and elsewhere, look for rights holders working with FIFA/UEFA partners—your federation or local broadcaster will list the match in their schedules. If you’re traveling, a legal streaming service tied to your provider is the safer bet.
Kickoff times: 7:45pm UK and Ireland; 8:45pm Central Europe; 2:45pm US Eastern; 11:45am US Pacific; 9:45pm Athens; 10:45pm in Minsk. Doors at Parken usually open 90 minutes before kickoff, with the stadium generating real noise during the warm-ups.
Key matchups to watch:
- Højbjerg vs McTominay/McGinn: second balls, late runs, and who wins the 50/50s around the D.
- Højlund vs Scotland’s central defenders: depth runs that test positioning and pace.
- Wing-backs vs Danish full-backs: territory battle on the flanks, which decides who pins whom.
- Set pieces: both sides are well-drilled; first contact at corners could decide it.
Likely approaches:
- Denmark: 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, patient possession, early crosses, high full-backs, counter-press on turnovers.
- Scotland: 3-4-2-1 that flattens into a five without the ball, quick diagonals to release wing-backs, targeted runs from midfield.
Injury and selection notes: Both managers have near full-strength groups based on recent camps. Denmark’s core starters are available, with room to tweak the front line depending on game state. Scotland welcome back established names and have a bench that can change the tone—fresh legs at wing-back and an extra runner from midfield if they need to chase. Expect late fitness calls to stay under wraps until the hour before kickoff.
Head-to-head context: The last two competitive meetings ended 2-0 to the home side each time—Denmark in Copenhagen, Scotland in Glasgow—so the venue has mattered. Denmark generally start fast at Parken; Scotland’s best moments have come when they’ve slowed the game and forced it into restarts.
What a result would mean: A home win would plant Denmark at the front of the queue and put pressure on Greece to keep pace. A draw would suit Scotland just fine—an away point on opening night is gold in a four-team section. An away win? That would flip the group on its head and give Scotland the clearest path to the top two.
Prediction frame: Expect a tight, territorial game with spells of Danish pressure. Scotland will target set plays and transitions and keep the shot count low. One goal either way feels more likely than a shootout.
