Denmark

The Danes shocked the football community with a stunning 2-1 victory over Portugal in the final match of qualification to top Group H and book their flight to Ukraine. This fighting spirit needs to be taken forward into the Euros however as Denmark got drawn in an extremely tough group. Group B consists of the 2010 World Cup runners-up, the Netherlands, and 3rd place finishers, Germany. If this was not hard enough, Portugal occupy the final spot but at least Denmark can take heart from the fact that they beat that particular foe in qualifying. Morten Olsen’s energetic, structured team has risen to 9th in the FIFA World Rankings and come into Euro 2012 having won seven of their last nine matches, failing to beat Scotland in a friendly at Hampden before losing their latest friendly to Russia 2-0. Denmark have two more friendly matches against Brazil and Australia before their opening game against the Netherlands in Kharkiv. With the opposition so strong it is clear that the Danes are in for an exciting summer. An attacking 4-3-3 formation with a vast amount of pace on the wings should provide a showcase for goals. Dennis Rommedahl, once the fastest man in football, still starts with fellow Brondby winger Michael Krohn-Dehli teasing defenders on the opposing flank. Both will provide opportunities for Sunderland frontman Nicklas Bendtner to convert. In charge of keeping the ball out of the net you will find the omnipresent Thomas Sorensen. The Stoke City keeper has reached the 100 cap mark and is a solid performer for both club and country. He only conceded 6 goals during qualifying but 4 of which were to Portugal. An impressive centre-back pairing of Daniel Agger and Simon Kjaer should provide a strong defensive basis. Liverpool’s Agger captain’s the national team. His strength, commitment and goalscoring prowess make him a dangerous player. AC Roma’s Simon Kjaer’s is still only 23 and is been watched by all the major sides in Europe. 32 year old Lars Jacobsen will be posted at right-back with his replacement at Stuttgart William Kvist likely to occupy a defensive midfield role. Christian Eriksen, the youngest player at the World Cup in 2010, is the man to watch out for. Still only 20 the Ajax creative midfielder has already provided an assist against England and scored against Scotland. His quick feet, tricks, pace and accuracy have made the likes of ex-Ajax manager Martin Jol liken him to Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Danish legend Michael Laudrup. Eriksen’s performances along with the front trio will be crucial. Without these four players Denmark’s chances decline slightly but with a full compliment defenders will be wary. Morten Olsen has been the head coach of Denmark since 2000, making him the longest serving manager at the Euros. His blend of youth and experience, coupled with an aggressive, organised defence, and flair in attack has made Denmark a force to be reckoned with. I doubt they will repeat their heroics in ‘92 but I do believe this could be the shock team of Euro 2012. Although, with a talent such as Christian Eriksen in the starting line-up, it shouldn’t really be a surprise.