Denmark

Bacon, Carlsberg and Peter Schmeichel – three of Denmark’s greatest exports. Although, it was Michael Laudrup who was voted Denmark’s best ever player back in 2006 and who would deny him that award? The nation of 5.5million also gave us Peter Gade, who topped the world rankings in badminton from 1998-2001, proof if ever there was needed that a country a similar size as Scotland can produce sporting talent worthy of not only gracing, but beating, world opposition.

However, back to football. Denmark qualified for South Africa after coming through arguably the toughest European qualification group. The Danes managed to see off their bitter Scandinavian rivals Sweden, whilst also knocking Portugal off their perch. In the second of the ten qualification games, Denmark travelled to Lisbon to take on a nation who had not lost a World Cup qualifier since 1996.

The Portuguese went one-nill up thanks to Manchester United’s Nani goal before halftime. But Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner pulled Denmark level on the 84th minute. 2 minutes later though and Chelsea were in on the act, Deco putting away the penalty. Yet, two goals on the 90minute mark from Christian Poulsen and Daniel Jensen sent the away fans into delirium, from which the Danes never looked back.

Group E now awaits the nation whose aim will be to achieve what they have done on the three previous occasions they have made it to the World Cup, that is to progress from the group stages. This is something which, in my eyes, they should do again.

The Dutch should win the group but Japan, although being one of the better nations from Asia, are more than a little lightweight. As oppose to Cameroon, who should be extremely tough to break down. If Agger and much marked central defender Kjaer continue their impressive partnership though, they will at least stand a chance of preventing Samuel Eto’o any opportunity to put Cameroon ahead in the game.

This appears like a very defensive tactic, but despite Martin Olsen playing a favoured 4-3-3 formation, the Danes conceded the second least amount of goals in qualifying, behind their group E rivals Holland. This may have something to do with the ever present Thomas Sorensen in goal, something which unfortunately may not be the case come June, as the keeper suffered a dislocated elbow in Stoke’s 7-0 drumming by Chelsea in April.

Nicklas Bendtner will lead the attack and after a solid end to the season he will have the confidence to put away any chances that the speed of Dennis Rommedahl and Jesper Gronjkaer provide. Although, the speed is dwindling.

National hero Jon Dahl Tommasson may also take one of the wide forward slots. 51 goals in 107 caps for his country is an outstanding achievement, and the ex-AC Milan striker is sitting one goal behind Paul Nielsen, the country’s leading goalscorer. It must be said though, the aging striker has been sat there for more than two years.

The Danes clearly have a lot of consistent players, no real superstars, but all solid and reliable. This has evidentially served Martin Olsen’s side well, however to progress past the second round a match-winner is needed. Cue Christian Eriksen. The Ajax 18year old has only earned one cap for his country but with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United wanting his signature, the midfielder can surely play. Likened to Laudrup, van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder he has a lot to live up to, but is certainly one to watch out for, if he gets given his opportunity.

Olsen has added young blood to a side that needed some revitalisation. How far they will go in the tournament is anyone’s guess. Yet, a 3-0 2nd round exit, like that which they received from England in 2002, may well be on the cards. However, there is always the chance that they will spring a surprise on us, as they did when they won Euro 92. Surely this couldn’t happen again though? Let’s wait and see.