Euro 2012 - Denmark preview

Going in to the European Championships as massive underdogs is hardly a new situation for Denmark. In fact, it’s something they thrive on. The memory of the Dane’s remarkable Euro 92 winning squad is still etched on the minds of the country, and gives them reason to be positive despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

Denmark were impressive qualifying, topping a group containing the ever-dangerous Portugal, and the sometimes brilliant Norwegian side. The Danes suffered just one defeat, a 1-0 reverse in Lisbon. Their qualification was based on a resolute defence, conceding just six goals in their eight games.

Key Players

In a group containing Germany, Netherlands and Portugal, Denmark’s formidable back line are going to be severely tested. They’re captained by Liverpool’s Daniel Agger, who is partnered by the under rated Simon Kjaer. The duo are on of the best centre-half partnerships at the tournament, and will need to be at ther best.

If Denmark are to have a chance of replicating the success of 1992, star midfielder Christian Eriksen has to have a massive tournament. The Ajax wonderkid has marvelled in the Eredivisie this season, and in the Champions League. Eriksen himself will be desperate to show big clubs across Europe just how good he can be. Possessing all the technical attributes in the world, he can win games on his own.

Manager

Denmark manager Morten Olsen is one of the longest serving managers in international football. He took charge of the side just after the European Championships in 2000, and with this expected to be his last tournament, will want to go out on a high.

Denmark squad

Goalkeepers: Thomas Sorensen (Stoke), Stephen Andersen (Evian), Anders Lindegaard (Man United).

Defenders: Lars Jacobsen (FC Copenhagen), Michael Silberbauer (Young Boys), Simon Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar), Daniel Wass (Evian), Simon Kjaer (AS Roma), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Andreas Bjelland (FC Nordsjaelland).

Midfielders: William Kvist (Stuttgart), Christian Poulsen, Thomas Kahlenberg (Both Evian), Niki Zimling (Brugge), Jakob Poulsen (FC Midtjylland), Lasse Schone, Christian Eriksen (Both Ajax), Michael Krohn-Dehli (Brondy)

Forwards: Dennis Rommedahl (Brondby), Tobias Mikkelsen (FC Nordsjaelland), Nicklas Bendtner (Sunderland).

Denmark are relatively injury for the tournament, but will have to overcome the retirement of all-time top scorer John Dahl Tomasson. Long-serving winger Dennis Rommedahl overcame a late fitness-test to be included in the team.

Denmark fixtures - Group B

Denmark were handed a nightmare draw when it was conducted in December. The Danes have to face the Netherlands and Germany, who both go into the tournament as the favourites behind Spain.

Denmark will fancy their chances against Portugal, after topping them in qualifying for the tournament, but the Danes certainly couldn’t pick a more difficult route to the knockout round.

Netherlands v Denmark, June 9^th, kick-off time 5:00pm, Kharkiv.

Denmark v Portugal, June 13^th, kick-off time 5:00pm, Lviv.

Denmark v Germany, June 17^th, kick-off time 7:45pm, Lviv.

Prediction

Denmark have revelled in their underdog role in years gone by, but it’s difficult to see them repeating. They do have the quality to hurt teams, but to qualify they’re going to have to get a result against at least two of the tournaments big guns in a matter of days.

One bright spot for Denmark is that they’re on the same side of the draw as the weakest group, meaning if they can somehow qualify for their group, a seemingly easy passage awaits towards the semi-final.

This won’t happen though, and Denmark will probably finish bottom of the group, with a lack of firepower costing them.