Denmark

DENMARK ARE STRONG , RESILIENT AND FUN

Twenty- nine years after lifting the trophy in Sweden as the most sensational of European champions, Denmark will be looking at the past to ignite their future. When the Danish Dynamite won Euro 92 – at 10 days’ notice after Yugoslavia’s exclusion as the Balkans disintegrated under a dust cloud of revolution and war – red and white flags conquered in their Scandinavian neighbours’ back yard.

A repeat of 1992 seems unlikely – even with Copenhagen set to host the team’s three group stage games against Finland, Belgium and Russia – but with a hugely talented side dotted with Premier League, Serie A and La Liga experience, the Danes are not to be underestimated. The spine is strong – goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is a fine last resort behind centre- back pair Simon Kjaer and Andreas Christensen, while a midfield of Pierre- Emile Hojbjerg and Christian Eriksen load the bullets for Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite in attack.

Expectations are high. So high, in fact, that former boss Aage Hareide’s contract – due to expire after a Euro 2020 that never happened – wasn’t renewed, despite the Norwegian tactician going 24 games without defeat. That is if you decide a World Cup exit to Croatia on penalties doesn’t count as a loss, nor the 3- 0 defeat to Slovakia in September 2018 after the entire squad was replaced by futsal players over a contract dispute.

The Danish FA has chosen a more offensive approach under head coach Kasper Hjulmand, whose stylistic flourishes since taking over last July have been as promising as the continued results. October’s 1- 0 Nations League victory against England at Wembley was one of five straight wins sandwiched between defeats to top- ranked Belgium, before they struck 14 goals in their first three World Cup qualifiers in March.

Though there was some unrest within the squad regarding the circumstances surrounding the likeable Hareide’s exit, the players have now moved on and developed impressively under Hjulmand.

With a mix of those experienced star players and talented, technical youngsters, such as Copenhagen centre- forward Jonas Wind and 23- year- old Atalanta full- back Joakim Maehle, there’s every chance of the Danes springing a surprise to compete with 1992, even if matching it may be asking a bit much. They look strong, resilient and fun.

LESSON FROM QUALIFYING

Keep the never- say- die spirit. Three- nil down in Switzerland in their opening qualifier, the Danes turned the game around with goals in the 84th, 88th and 93rd minutes. The draw secured a vital point and extended the team’s unbeaten run. The consistency continued, with another draw against Ireland in Dublin sealing a finals appearance.

STRENGTHS

The defensive organisation is as steady as a rock with keeper Schmeichel and captain Kjaer leading the rear guard. The duo’s presence and winning mentality have filled the rest of the squad with confidence and calmness. Midfield three Eriksen, Hojbjerg and Thomas Delaney is also vital for this well- balanced team.

WEAKNESSES

For many years Jon Dahl Tomasson was a scoring machine for the national team, but in recent years Denmark have missed a fox in the box. Young Jonas Wind could be the long- term solution and will most likely get the chance with Barcelona’s Braithwaite and either Yussuf Poulsen

( RB Leipzig, left) or precocious youngster Andreas Skov Olsen ( Bologna) preferred as attacking wingers.

MOST LIKELY TO...

Hear Schmeichel screaming through every minute of each game. The Danish talisman lives for the national team and will be ever- present in his team- mates’ ears. Remind you of anyone, Peter?

LEAST LIKELY TO...

See one player hog the limelight. Despite Eriksen having that extra star quality at his best, Denmark place harmony above all else. Awww, you guys...

WHAT THEY HOPE WILL HAPPEN

Hjulmand has said that he has taken the job with a dream of “winning things”. Dreams are free and not limited by reality, and with the likes of Schmeichel you can expect players aiming for a big result.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN

Wins against Finland and Russia will send Denmark into the last 16. An Eriksen penalty will secure a quarter- final place, but the adventure could last even longer.