Schmeichel vital player for Denmark - Danish captain

Denmark head in to the game against Croatia as the underdogs as their opponents picked up 3 wins out of 3 in their group stage campaign.

While Denmark did not always look the most convincing in Group C, beating Peru by a one-goal margin and drawing against Australia, their skipper Kjaer believes that the Leicester City keeper will play a vital role in giving the side the chance to succeed.

"Kasper is hugely important for the team both on and off the pitch," he said

"That Kasper has performed at the level he has is no surprise to us. He's a top keeper and he's proving it when it matters most."

While Schmeichel has been a vital part of his national team in the tournament so far, the focal point of the team is without doubt Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen.

The player was the highest goalscorer and assist provider for the side in qualifying, and many are seeing the game as a match between himself and Croatian skipper Luka Modric.

Danish coach Age Hareide is confident that his players have the quality to progress, but is also aware of the threat posed by Croatia, particularly highlighting Modric's abilities.

"He's a wonderful player but they have other skilful players and we need to handle him collectively,

"It could end up being a match between Modric and Eriksen. That would be interesting - especially for the fans."

The winners of the match will go on to play either Spain or Russia in the quarter finals of the competition.