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Denmark have one of the most bizarre World Cup Finals records you will find in the tournament. They have made the Grand stage on only three occasions, but each time have done decently well. In Mexico 1986, the Danes made their way through to the last 16, and then failed in their next two attempts to reach the big stage. Then in France 1998, they went one step further making it through to the Quarterfinals under the guidance of Peter Schmiechel and Michael Laudrup. They almost replicated that feat in 2002 falling at the last 16 stage before once again heading into Global oblivion.
The Danes are ranked 35th in the world and are placed in a tough Group E in South Africa. They have the Netherlands, Asian giants Japan and African powerhouse Cameroon to tackle in the World Cup's initial stages. Only the Japanese are lower ranked than Denmark in the FIFA world rankings in their Group.
Coach Morten Olsen has been in-charge of the national team for almost 10 years now and his tenure has seen its share of ups and downs. Denmark failed to qualify for Euro 2008, coming 4th in their group and losing out by 6 points. Things have definitely improved in the last two years for the team who have touched the peak of popularity in their home land.
Denmark had an excellent run in qualification winning 6, drawing 3 and losing just 1 game of their 10. The Danes were undefeated in away fixtures. Their group consisted of Portugal, Hungary, Sweden, Albania and Malta. They secured 4 out of a possible six against the Portuguese and all 6 points against the Swedes, a very commendable effort.
They begin their campaign with a clash against the Dutch, which is arguably their toughest task in the Group Stage. Any points picked up in Game 1 are likely to ease their passage through to the knockout rounds. Cameroon and Japan will provide stiff opposition to qualify for the knockout rounds and the Danes will need to beat at least one if not both teams.
Key Players:Daniel Agger - A tall, strong central defender with a good eye for goal, Daniel Agger has easily been one of Liverpool's best buys in recent years, and at 25 has his best years as a center-back still ahead of him. Agger has a decent turn of speed, is good on the ball and has excellent positioning, making him one of the better defenders in the competition. Additionally, Agger possesses one hell'uva left foot and score from just about any distance.
Nicklas Bendtner - Though not a fan favourite at the Emirates yet, for his odd lapse in concentration and poor finishing, the tall striker remains a key performer for both his club and country. He came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and has done well for creating a chance for himself. The strong frontman is well known for his aerial ability and his ability to hold off defenders. With competition increasing in his position at Arsenal this summer, Bendtner will be keen to use the World Cup as an arena to impress.
Simon Kjaer- The 21 year old is a player to look out for in the future. After a brilliant season for Italian outfit Palermo which saw him forge a successful centre half partnership with Cesare Bovo, Kjaer has been the source of specualtion all around Europe. While playing for Danish side FC Midtjylland a bid from Real Madrid was rejected for the player emphasizing his ability. He was named Danish talent of the Year in 2009 and is one of key members in Olsen Gang.
Team:
Goalkeepers: Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhagen), Stephan Andersen (Brondby), Thomas Sorensen (Stoke City)
Defenders: Daniel Agger(Liverpool), Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn), Patrick Mtiliga (Malaga), Per Kroldrup (Fiorentina), Simon Busk Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar), Simon Kjaer (Palermo), William Kvist (FC Copenhagen)
Midfielders: Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Christian Eriksen (Ajax), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Jakob Poulsen (AGF Aarhus), Mikkel Beckmann (Randers), Thomas Enevoldsen (FC Groningen), Thomas Kahlenberg (Wolfsburg), Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax), Jesper Gronkjaer (FC Copenhagen), Martin Jorgensen (AGF Aarhus)
Forwards: Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Soren Larsen (Duisburg), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord).
Top Goal Scorers: Jon Dahl Tomasson (51), Dennis Rommedahl (16)
Most Capped Players: Jon Dahl Tomasson (107), Dennis Rommedahl (93)
Head Coach: Morten Olsen
Form Guide: (LWLWD)
Nov 14, Denmark 0-0 South Korea
Nov 18, Denmark 3-1 United States
Mar 03, Austria 2-1 Denmark
May 27, Denmark 2-0 Senegal
June 5, Denmark 0-1 South Africa
Fixtures:
14-Jun: Netherlands vs Denmark 12:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
19-Jun: Cameroon vs Denmark 7:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
24-Jun: Denmark vs Japan 7:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
Team Trivia
The fastest goal ever by a substitute was scored by Ebbe Sand of Denmark against Nigeria in 1998. Sand took only 16 seconds to score.
Also Read:
Group Competitior Previews: Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon
Photo by 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa
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