Manager: Morten Olsen
Key player: Christian Poulsen
Best: Quarter-finals (1998)
World ranking: 26
In arguably the hardest European qualifying group Denmark came through in first place, beating an admittedly struggling Portugal side into second (having beaten them home and away) and consigning Scandinavian rivals Sweden to a summer on the beach. It was a 1-0 win over the latter in Copenhagen that ultimately sealed their place at their first major tournament since the 2004 European Championship.
After failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup coach Morten Olsen considered resigning but his decision to remain at the helm has been rewarded. They do not have strength in depth but possess a handful of players with quality and experience such as ever-improving Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner, Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen and former Newcastle forward Jon Dahl Tomasson, now at Feyenoord. Not to be underestimated. |