Denmark coach Age Hareide is counting on Christian Eriksen outshining Real Madrid ace Luka Modric when they meet Croatia.

Hareide believes the form of Tottenham midfielder Eriksen will decide the round of 16 World Cup game.

"Christian was wonderful in qualification," Hareide told a news conference Saturday. "Here at the World Cup he has had one assist and one goal.

"It could be a match between Modric and Eriksen in midfield."

Modric himself was full of praise for Eriksen, who filled the the attacking midfield void left at Tottenham Hotspur by the Croat after he joined Real Madrid.

"He is a world-class player," Modric said of the Dane. "He's played a fantastic season at Tottenham. He's the most important player for Denmark."