Fulham centre back Joachim Andersen is preparing for one of the biggest games of his career thus far, as Denmark face Czechia in the UEFA World Cup play-off final. We take you through all the information you need to know.
There is not much more jeopardy than playing in a game that could get your team to the World Cup.
That is what Joachim Andersen faces on Tuesday night as the final six places at this summer’s tournament are finally decided.
The Fulham centre back is expected to return to the heart of the Denmark defence for their UEFA World Cup play-off final against Czechia in Prague.
Having missed the semi-final due to a suspension from picking up too many yellow cards in the qualifying group stages, Andersen had to watch on nervously as Denmark faced North Macedonia.
Thankfully for him, it was not nervy for very long as Denmark won 4-0 to book their final.
Goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, two from Gustav Isaksen and Christian Norgaard put Denmark into the final and the prize is one that is probably one that is only beaten by the World Cup final itself.
The winner will enter Group D of the World Cup, alongside hosts Mexico, South Korea and South Africa, in a group that either side would fancy their chances in.
But what can we expect from the game and will Andersen return to the starting lineup?
It is a play-off match between two teams who are, on paper at least, fairly evenly matched.
Denmark have significantly more experience in major tournaments than Czechia, and off the back of them ranking 20th in the FIFA World Rankings compared to Czechia’s 43rd, they will be considered favourites.
Czechia have Patrik Schick and a home advantage, Denmark are also missing Patrick Dorgu, Kasper Schemichel and Andreas Christensen to injury.
And with the prize being so great, this game will be tight.
But Denmark, with Christian Eriksen, Norgaard, Damsgaard, Rasmus Hojlund and Andersen, have the experience and the quality to win this game.
Gustav Isaksen scored twice for Denmark in the semi-final win over North Macedonia. Image Credit: Reuters.Czechia also had to play a very intense 120 minutes against the Republic of Ireland, before finding a way to beat them on penalties.
Andersen is expected to slot back in to the heart of defence, with Arsenal’s Norgaard acting as a makeshift centre back against North Macedonia in the semi-final.
It would be a major statement from Denmark manager Brian Riemer if he was to omit Andersen from a game of this magnitude, a player who has almost 200 appearances in the Premier League and 48 caps for Denmark.
With Harry Wilson and Wales suffering the same fate as the Republic of Ireland and being knocked out on penalties, all Fulham eyes will be on Andersen and Denmark and there will be hope the Danes can once again reach the World Cup.