Appearances: 3 appearances (Last appearance in 2002)
Current FIFA Ranking (As of April 28): 35
Captain: Jon Dahl Tomasson (Striker)
Leading Scorer in Qualifying: Soren Larson (Striker) - 5 goals
Key Injuries: Thomas Sorenson (Goalkeeper) - Dislocated elbow,
expected to be back for the World Cup
Key retirements since 2006:
Thomas Helveg (Defender)
Martin Laursen (Defender)
Niclas Jensen (Left back)
Team Overview:
Denmark surprised many people by placing first place in their qualifying group, beating the likes of Sweden and Portugal. Under the watchful eye of head coach Morten Olsen, Denmark has experienced its most successful run of soccer in its history. They've reached two of the last three World Cups and with this appearance, makes it three out of four. However, they face a tough task trying to qualify in one of the toughest groups in the World Cup so don't be surprised if they don't make it very far.
Thomas Sorenson, the goalkeeper, recently dislocated his elbow in a game against Chelsea. Doctors determined that no surgery was needed so he should be back in time to play during the World Cup. He is one of the most experienced players on the team and has an amazing ability to make big saves during penalty shootouts.
Helping out Sorenson will be a rough and tough group of players that includes English based players Daniel Agger and Lars Jacobson. The two play, respectively, for Liverpool and Blackburn and are both very physical players. However, the defensive are not an offensive threat so don't look for them to do a lot, if any, overlapping.
Roaming the midfield is a bulldog of a player, Christian Poulsen. The defensive midfielder is one of the most aggravating players in the game. He has been known to absolutely piss off his opponents, leading to fist fights and illegal tackles. During the 2004 Euro Cup, his actions led to Francesco Totti spitting on him. He once kicked Kaka while Kaka while down on the ground and the refs weren't looking and he punched a Swedish player during 2008 Euro Cup qualifying. This consequently led a fan to charge the field, the game being called off and Denmark disqualified with a 3-0 loss.
Around Poulsen are a couple of offensively talented midfielders, Martin Jorgensen and Dennis Rommedahl. Both are in the twilight of their careers and and this will most likely be their last World Cup. Both are threats to score and will be counted on to facilitate the scoring opportunities for the team.
The forwards for the team are the captain, Jon Dahl Tomasson, and talented youngster Nicklas Bendtner while super-sub Soren Larson will be a major player off of the bench. All three are efficient goalscorers, with Tomasson as one of the greatest in Danish history. With Netherlands and Cameroon in their group, the forwards will have to score early and often if Denmark hopes to make it to the second round.
Player to Watch: Nicklas Bendtner
The 6'3" Bendtner will be one of the most important players for the Danish squad. His height poses the perfect compliment to Tomasson's craftiness and instincts. Bendtner is a strong player who can hold the ball and is the best aerial player on the team. However, he has really struggled to finish off goals during high profile games, as his recent showing in the Champions League can attest. He will need to shake off the jitters early or he'll find his way to the bench.
Prediction: Knocked out in the group stages.
The final squad will not be announced until June 10 but here is a small list of players in the running to make the team.
Match Schedule
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