All about the Denmark Team at Football World Cup 2018
After thrashing the Republic of Ireland 5-1 in the playoffs, Denmark will be going to their first World Cup since South Africa in 2010. Having failed to progress past the first round in the previous tournament the Danes will be hoping to do one better and overcome the ‘group of death’, as they face opponents France, Peru and Australia. Despite their size, Denmark are currently 12th in the FIFA world rankings, and their fans will be hoping they can emulate the likes of Iceland, who with similarly limited resources managed to reach the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2016.
Tips for Betting on Denmark in the World Cup 2018
The Danes may lack the population of some of the bigger teams but they have enough strength, depth and quality to trouble anyone on their day. Christian Eriksen’s form has been superb for Tottenham this season and will be in contention for goals and assists against Peru and Australia. Both of these opponents will offer up chances to the Dane’s, with Peru being the softer option. Eriksen is also capable of scoring and makes goals using both feet and his head – making for an interesting differential. The Socceroo’s, currently without a manager, can hold their own but will struggle against Denmark if their own talisman ageing but still dangerous Tim Cahill is having an off day.
As for France, who are among the favourites to lift the trophy, Denmark, and anyone betting on them should be cautious of the strength of Les Bleus in every position. Denmark’s goal scoring record in qualifying was above average with 20, and having only conceded 8 goals, the lowest of any team in their group, Denmark’s defence is also worth a look as clean sheets could be on the cards against the likes of Peru and Australia.
On the other hand, recent tournaments have favoured the underdog, with Peru and Australia falling into that category. Expect goals from both sides in all three games in Group C.
Betting Odds on Denmark to Win the World Cup 2018
Denmark have been given an average odds of 100/1 to win the World Cup. Their first test will come against Peru on the 16th June, and bookmakers have them as firm favourites with odds of 11/10 or 2.10 (win), 9/4 or 3.25 (draw) and 5/2 or 2.25 (loss).
Expected Denmark Lineup at the World Cup
Against the Republic of Ireland, Denmark’s line-up was: Schmeichel; Christensen, Kjaer, Bjelland, Larsen; Eriksen, Kvist, Delaney; Poulsen, Jorgensen, and Sisto.
With no injuries to worry about as of now, it’s expected that manager Åge Hareide will stick with the team that did so well in qualifying. Even with inevitable changes Denmark have a bench packed with players from every top league in Europe; including former Arsenal striker Nikolas Bendtner, who now plays in Norway for Rosenborg. With an international record of 30 goals in 79 appearances, the tall forward will no doubt get his chance in Russia.
It’s more than likely this is the team that will start against Peru when Denmark begin their quest for the World Cup. However there are still months of the European domestic season left and as any football fan knows anything can happen, from injuries to suspensions to dips in form at the crucial moment.
The full Denmark squad as of now is: GK Schmeichel, GK Lössl, GK Rønnow; DF Christensen, DF Kjaer (capt), DF Bjelland, DF Larsen, DF Vestergaard, DF Ankersen, DF Jørgensen, DF Knudsen; MF Eriksen, MF Sisto, MF Kvist (vice-capt), MF Delaney; FW Poulsen, FW Jorgensen, FW Cornelius, FW Bendtner, FW Braithwaite
Denmark manager Åge Hareide favours a 4-3-3 formation, which he utilised during qualifying. Using Jorgensen as a lone striker with two attacking midfielders on either side of him allows the team to take advantage of more width, spreading their opponent out wide so that crosses as not as easily defended. Having a tall target man in the centre helps this strategy and gives the wingers more space as the striker draws defenders away from them.
Upfront will be Nicolai Jørgensen or Nicklas Bendtner who both featured during qualifying, with Bendtner scoring a late penalty against Ireland. It’s worth noting that Jørgensen failed to score during qualifying and while he is an important player for Denmark – getting on the score sheet during this summer may be a shot in the dark.
Christian Eriksen will be the key to Denmark’s success. The Tottenham midfielder has scored 6 and provided 7 assists so far this Premier League campaign, and 16 goals and 3 assists in qualifying mean he will be the talisman come the summer in Russia. Being given a free role between the strikers has allowed Erikson to control the midfield and his eye for a pass will be crucial to breaking down teams and creating space in behind. Next to him will be Thomas Delaney who chipped in with 4 goals during the qualifying campaign.
Kasper Schmeichel is locked in as a first choice keeper, with Jonas Lössl of Huddersfield Town behind him as a backup. Completing the team is the four-man defence made up of Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer, Andreas Bjelland, and Yens Larsen.
-
Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel, son of Manchester United and Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel will undoubtedly keep his place in goal. A championship winning season with Leicester City and conceding the least amount of goals in their group during qualifying have both cemented his place in the side for his first major tournament.
-
Christian Eriksen
With 16 and 20 assists respectively in his last two seasons with Tottenham, Christian Eriksen has consistently performed to a world class standard. The Danish wizard can create goals and score them, having done just that 6 times this season. Denmark will be looking to Erikson to use his immense passing ability to help them progress this summer. His hat-trick against Ireland puts him squarely in front for anyone taking a punt on a Danish scorer.
-
Simon Kjær
Simon Kjær will provide a solid base at the back. The Spanish based centre-back has 74 caps for his country and is currently captaining the side. Kjær signed for Sevilla in 2017 having spent two seasons at Turkish club Fenerbahçe and has been a much sort after player for many seasons – linked with moves to Manchester United and Liverpool in the past.
BEST WORLD CUP BOOKMAKERS
