Denmark has been demonstrating a frankly weak defensive performance at this World Cup, which, coupled with their position in the tournament, is forcing them to take risks. In three group stage matches, the Danes have conceded 15 goals (an average of 5 per game), and their goaltenders are experiencing significant problems. However, the team's attack is performing well, and in six of their last seven head-to-head encounters with Slovakia, they have managed to score an average of three goals per game. Denmark's average goals scored in matches is six, creating an excellent basis for an over-all total.
Slovakia enters the game as the clear favorite, sitting second in the group with eight points. The team has consistently scored in its last 10 matches, averaging around 3.67 goals per game in recent encounters. However, Slovakia also has defensive issues, conceding an average of 3.6 goals over the last five games. Considering that Slovakia needs to secure a top-four spot before the playoffs, and Denmark is playing for prestige, both teams will be playing as openly as possible.
